SPICY CABBAGE STIR FRY

Cabbage Stir Fry – This dish is Asian inspired with red bell pepper, carrots and green onions, seasoned with a light and savor dressing. It’s a quick and simple, wholesome vegan and main course ready in 30 mins.

top down view cabbage stir fry with tofu in a bowl.

I have seen a recipe from the NY times and thought it essential to be put into the recipe gallery. I didn’t go so far from the first recipe and changed a few things as a little red pepper flakes since i do love spiciness (If you don’t have a fan with spice let omit it).

This dish is definitely a delicious and quick meal. It can be ready within 30 mins or more a bit. It becomes a perfect recipe when you have no time but fast and wholesome. Server with rice, quinoa or noodles – or just enjoy as it!

top down view of ingredients used to make cabbage stir fry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this recipe, cabbage, red pepper and carrots are stir-fried and mixed with crispy tofu and served with choosing grain for wholesome stir fry.

Here’s everything you should know, furthermore, the ideas and tips are ready for ingredient alternatives.

  • tofu – use firm, extra firm or high protein, can be optional
  • ginger
  • garlic
  • red pepper flakes
  • cabbage – savoy, green or napa cabbage
  • red bell pepper
  • carrots
  • green onions
  • tamari – sub with low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • rice wine vinegar

side by side photos of prepping cabbage and crispy tofu in a pan.

How To Make Cabbage Stir Fry

(Note – The full printable recipe is at the bottom of this post)

  • Prep the veggies.
  • Cook up your tofu.

side by side photos showing the process of stir frying cabbage.

  • Stir-fry the garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
  • Add the cabbage, red bell pepper and green onions, stir fry for 2 – 3 minutes.

side by side photos showing the process of adding seasoning to stir fried cabbage.

  • Add the tamari, rice vinegar, and water, stir fry for 5 minutes or so, until cabbage softens and wilts.
  • Season with salt, or garlic salt, and more tamari or rice vinegar to taste.
  • Optionally, add the cooked tofu towards the end of cooking and cook until warmed through.

And now you’re ready to serve!

Top Tips

  • Season well. Make sure that season has the best flavor. If you feel it tasteless, let’s add some salt and some pepper. It would be great! 
  • Make it oil-free, let’s put 1/4 cup water when stir-frying the cabbage. If using a non-stick wok for cooking the tofu, you can put out the oil. Moreover, bake tofu on a lined baking-sheet and heat it up in an oven ready set to 400 for 20-25 mins.

side angle view of cabbage stir fry picked up with tongs in pan.

How To Store + Reheat

  • Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator 3 – 4 days in the refrigerator, in a covered container
  • Freezer: This cabbage stir fry freezes well for up to 2 – 3 months. To freeze, let cool completely and store in freezer safe containers (affiliate link), leaving 1/2 inch head space for expansion. You can also freeze larger portions in large ziplock bags (remove as much air as possible before zip locking). Let thaw before reheating.
  • Reheat: Simply re-warm on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a little tamari or veg broth for moisture as needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave using 30 – 60 second intervals, stirring after each, until warm.

Serving Suggestions

This is served as a side or main course, this savory cabbage stir-frying is discretionary and combines well with a diversity of other aromas. Here are some of my interesting options:

  • Toppings: Top with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes and fresh cilantro.
  • Grain: Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, black rice, or this Cilantro Lime Rice or Instant Pot Quinoa.
  • Side: Would be great with a side of Kimchi!
  • Soup: Pair with a small bowl of soup like this Roasted Garlic Miso Soup, Simple Miso Noodle Soup or Simple Vegan Pho.
  • Salad: Pair with this fresh Chinese Chopped Salad.

top down view of wok with freshly made cabbage stir fry.

More Easy Asian Recipes

  • Vegetable Lo Mein (30-Minutes + Healthy)
  • Vegan Tofu Poke Bowl
  • Black Pepper Tofu
  • Simple Vegan Pho
  • Vegan Kimchi
  • Tempeh Chow Mein
  • See all vegan Asian recipes on TSV!

side angle view cabbage stir fry with tofu in a bowl.

If you try this cabbage stir fry recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

SPICY CABBAGE STIR FRY

5 from 2 reviews

Cabbage stir fry is a quick and easy Asian inspired side dish ready in 30 minutes! Great with crispy tofu and side of quinoa, basmati or jasmine rice for a healthy, vegan main dish.

  • Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 – 6 1x
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: stir fry
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
  • 12 ounces organic tofu (firm or extra firm), cut into dominoes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 – 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 small cabbage (about 1 1/2 lbs.), finely shredded (red, green or both)
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 carrot or 1 cup baby carrots, cut into matchsticks
  • 4 green onions, sliced (reserve one green onion for garnish)
  • 2 – 4 tablespoons tamari ,low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • salt + pepper, to taste

To serve

  • sesame seeds
  • scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
  • grain of choice (soba or ramen noodles or quinoa, basmati or jasmine rice), optional

INSTRUCTIONS

Crispy tofu: Cut the tofu into dominoes and press between paper towels or dish cloth. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan, add tofu and cook for 5 – 8 minutes on each side, until lightly golden in color. Season with salt and garlic powder (or garlic salt). Transfer tofu to a small plate.

Stir fry: Heat 14 inch wok or large skillet over medium- high heat, add 1 remaining tablespoon of oil, add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. Add cabbage, red bell pepper, carrots, green onions, tamari, rice vinegar and water, stir fry for 5 – 7 minutes, or until cabbage wilts and veggies soften. Add the tofu to the cabbage stir fry 2 minutes before done to warm through. Taste for seasoning, adding salt to taste.

Serve cabbage stir fry with cooked grain of choice and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions and/or cilantro.

NOTES

Oil-Free: Make this oil free by using 1/4 cup water when stir frying the cabbage. If using a non-stick pan for cooking the tofu, you can omit the oil. Alternatively, bake the tofu on a lined baking sheet in a preheated oven set to 400 for 20 – 25 minutes.

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