Asian stir fried cabbage is one of those recipes that's so quick and easy, you barely have time to set the table before it's done. It's fresh, light, and full of flavor, and my family never complains when it's on the menu.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Yummy Bowl.
Asian Stir Fried Cabbage
This stir-fried cabbage recipe makes a delicious side dish. It's so good, you can eat it as a main as well.
Ingredients
- Cabbage - I like green cabbage here because it softens nicely but still has a little crunch. Napa cabbage will give you a lighter texture in this vegetable stir fry, while red cabbage looks gorgeous but takes a little longer to cook.
- Garlic - Fresh is best, but if you're in a rush, jarred minced garlic will still give great flavor.
- Ginger - Adds that warm, peppery kick.
- Sesame oil - Adds a nutty finish that makes it taste like it came from a restaurant. Don't cook with it. Rather, drizzle a little at the end for max flavor.
- Green onions - Bright, fresh, and just enough bite to balance the richness. Chives work if you're out.
For other cabbage-based recipes, check out this Ground Turkey Cabbage Stir Fry , my Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry or my Asian Cabbage Stir Fry.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Asian Stir Fried Cabbage
- Toss cabbage with salt and pepper in a large bowl and massage for about a minute until it softens a bit.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, letting it soften while still keeping some crisp edges.
- Stir the sesame oil and green onions into the garlic cabbage, remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.
Hot Pan, Better Cabbage
Keep the pan hot and don't crowd the cabbage. This is the secret to those tasty charred edges.
Tips
- Massage the cabbage with salt before cooking; it speeds things up and helps it cook evenly.
- Don't add the sesame oil too early or you'll lose its nutty aroma.
- Use a wok if you have one; it cooks cabbage faster and more evenly.
- Skip the ginger if you want a milder flavor, or add more for extra zing.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a swirl of chili oil if you want a little heat.
- Red cabbage works fine, but it will take a minute or two longer to get tender.
- Leftovers taste amazing cold in a wrap or tossed into a salad.
- You can toss in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to bulk it up.
- Toast your sesame seeds before sprinkling for a deeper flavor.
- For more cabbage recipes your family will love, try my Fermented Cabbage, this Cabbage Corn Salad and my Cabbage Cucumber Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- To Freeze. Not the best recipe to freeze because the cabbage gets soggy.
- To Make Ahead. Chop the cabbage, garlic, and ginger up to a day in advance and store separately in the fridge.
More Recipes
- Chili Garlic Shrimp
- Dumpling Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Spicy Drunken Noodles
Before You Head Out
If you gave this recipe a try, I'd be so thankful if you could leave a ★★★★★ rating and review below. It helps other readers, supports my work, and means the world to me. Thank you for being part of The Yummy Bowl family. Happy cooking! ❤️
Recipe Card
Sesame Garlic Sauteed Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage with salt and pepper. Massage for about 1 minute until slightly softened and wilted.1 ½ pounds head cabbage, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 pinch black pepper
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.1 tablespoon ginger, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 cloves garlic
- Add cabbage, stir-fry over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened but still slightly crisp and charred in spots.
- Add sesame oil and green onion, stir and remove from heat immediately.1 tablespoon sesame oil, ⅓ cup green onion
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve warm.2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- Enjoyed this recipe? Leave a quick 5-star rating and review to let me know!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Join TYB
Insider
Get access to exclusive recipes,
weekly meal plans, printable
grocery lists, and AD-FREE
browsing designed to make
mealtime easier.
Annie
Great recipe!! Our family doesn't like ginger heavy so we back off a bit and it was perfect. Even my picky husband loved it. An excellent side!