Name: Super Easy Stir-Fried Cabbage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

This Super Easy Stir-Fried Cabbage is my go-to recipe when I need a fast, flavorful side dish that pairs with almost any main course. With just a few pantry staples and fresh cabbage, I whip up a vibrant, garlicky stir-fry in 20 minutes flat. It’s the kind of dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, and it always satisfies.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

I add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant.

Then I toss in the sliced cabbage and stir-fry it for 5 to 7 minutes, just until it’s tender-crisp.

I stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and season it with salt and pepper. I let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

Once everything is well coated and cooked, I remove it from the heat and sprinkle some chopped green onions on top.

I serve it hot as a side dish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up based on what I have in the kitchen. Sometimes I add shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for more color and crunch. If I want a bit of heat, I stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil. For a heartier dish, I toss in sliced mushrooms or tofu. It’s also easy to make this vegetarian by using a vegetarian oyster sauce or skipping it altogether.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply toss the cabbage back into a pan over medium heat and stir until warmed through. I can also microwave it in a covered dish for 1 to 2 minutes. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the texture of the cabbage gets soggy.

FAQs

What kind of cabbage works best for stir-frying?

I usually use green cabbage, but Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage also work well. They stir-fry quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it just before serving. It keeps its flavor well, though it’s best fresh for that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Is this dish vegetarian?

As-is, it’s not vegetarian because of the oyster sauce. But I can easily make it vegetarian by using a plant-based oyster sauce or omitting it and adding a splash of hoisin or mushroom sauce.

What can I serve with stir-fried cabbage?

I usually serve it alongside rice, grilled chicken, tofu, or noodles. It’s also a great companion to any Asian-style main dish.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely. I sometimes add sliced chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the stir-fry step to turn it into a quick and balanced main dish.

Conclusion

This Super Easy Stir-Fried Cabbage is the kind of recipe I keep in my regular rotation—simple, speedy, and satisfying. Whether I’m pairing it with rice and protein or enjoying it solo, it never fails to hit the spot. I love how versatile it is, and it’s a great way to use up that head of cabbage sitting in the fridge.

Super Easy Stir-Fried Cabbage