Want to cook Napa cabbage in a new way? Try this simple recipe: Stir-fry Napa cabbage with mushrooms and a tasty Asian sauce.
It's like having a taste of China at your dinner table! Plus, it's healthy and vegetarian.
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Napa Cabbage Stir Fry
Of all the cabbage recipes, this is by far my favorite one. It's crunchy, flavorful and easy to make.
Top this easy cabbage stir fry with my latest favorite Pickled Daikon Radish.
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Stir Fry Ingredients
- Napa cabbage - also known as Chinese cabbage or Hokusai in Japanese, brings a special texture and sweet flavor to stir-fries. Opt for a larger cabbage head for best results.
- Ginger + garlic - create a savory and aromatic base for your stir fry. Use fresh whenever possible.
- Mushrooms - cremini, shiitake or white button mushrooms work well. Not a fan? Use tofu, tempeh, or a mix of carrots, onions, or bell peppers instead.
- Sesame oil - toasted (preferred) sesame oil brings a bold sesame flavor and a delicious nutty, earthy taste.
- Red chili flakes - optional garnish.
- Soy sauce - adds a salty umami flavor. For gluten free use tamari or coconut aminos (slightly sweeter taste).
- Rice vinegar - if you don't have it use apple cider vinegar.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Cook Napa Cabbage
- Remove the stem end of the cabbage to create a stable base. Then, cut it into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn brown, around 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in ginger and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar. Stir well to combine everything. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped cilantro and chili flakes.
🥢 Make Next: Asian Cabbage Stir Fry
Tips
- You can drizzle the cabbage with garlic chili sauce and plenty of green onions for serving. Delicious!
- Add protein. My pan-fried tofu is perfect for this stir-fry recipe.
- I like to add cookedground chickenorpork to make it a meal.
- Mushroom alternative. Use other veggies or protein-rich chickpeas.
- Top your napa cabbage and stir-fry it with some crispy bacon!
- Soy sauce alternative. You can use teriyaki or oyster sauce if you don't have it. Taste as you go and adjust the amount.
- You don't need a wok pan for this recipe, but if you have one, it's great for achieving authentic Chinese stir-fry. However, a simple skillet works just fine too!
Storing Leftovers
- To Store. Transfer the cooled cabbage stir-fry into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3 days.
- To Reheat. Warm the stir fry gently in a large skillet or wok on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of rice vinegar to rejuvenate the cabbage for an extra flavor boost.
- To Freeze. I don't recommend freezing this as the cabbage texture will change after thawing.
How Do I Avoid Overcooking Napa Cabbage in Stir Fry Dishes?
To prevent napa cabbage from becoming mushy, cook it over high heat for a short time.
Stir-frying the cabbage quickly until it just starts to wilt keeps it crisp and vibrant.
Overcooking can result in a loss of texture and flavor.
Julia's Tips For Cooking Napa Cabbage
- Start by cooking the tougher napa cabbage pieces, then add the leafy parts.
- Slice the thick, tough parts of the napa cabbage into smaller pieces than the leafy sections.
- Season the napa cabbage with salt in two stages: when cooking the tough ribs, and then when adding the leafy portions.
What To Serve With Napa Cabbage
- with a little drizzle of Thai peanut sauce
- Rice or glass noodles
- Egg fried rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Pan seared pork chops
- Pork tenderloin
- Asian inspired baked trout or Miso salmon
- Pickled daikon radish
More Asian Recipes
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
- BBQ Pork Fried Rice
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Drunken Noodles
- Mushroom Stroganoff
Did You Like This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating belowandshare it onInstagram,Facebook, andPinterest!
Recipe Card
How To Cook Napa Cabbage
Julia
Savor a simple cabbage recipe: thinly sliced Napa cabbage stir-fried with mushrooms in a tasty Asian-inspired sauce. It's like bringing a taste of China to your table! Healthy and vegan-friendly.
4.98 from 37 votes
Print Save Pin
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 larger napa cabbage, about 1 pound
- 2 teaspoon garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ginger, minced
- 9 ounce mushrooms
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce, or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or other oil for cooking
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Handful of cilantro for garnish
- add salt to taste, I added only a sprinkle
- ½ teaspoon sugar, optional, will taste great without too
INSTRUCTIONS
Remove the stem end of the cabbage to create a stable base. Then, cut napa cabbage into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. Use everything, including the leaves and thicker part (but not the thick base). Set aside.
1 larger napa cabbage
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they turn brown, around 5-7 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 9 ounce mushrooms
Stir in ginger and garlic, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil and vinegar and sugar if using.
2 teaspoon garlic cloves, ¼ teaspoon ginger, 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, ½ teaspoon sugar
Stir well to mix everything. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.Do notovercook the cabbage; it will release too much liquid and make the sauce watery. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.
add salt to taste
Once cooked, sprinkle sesame seeds, and garnish with chopped cilantro and chili flakes.
½ teaspoon red chili flakes, Handful of cilantro for garnish, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
VIDEO
NOTES
- For Storage: Put the cooled cabbage stir-fry in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For Reheating, Warm it gently in a large skillet or wok on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Tofreshen up the cabbage, add a splash of rice vinegar for extra flavor.
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NUTRITION
Calories: 162kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1046mgPotassium: 604mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 105mgIron: 17mg
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Note:Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be foundhere.
Napa Cabbage: FAQs
What is napa cabbage?
Napa cabbage is a type of Chinese cabbage that has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.
It is commonly used in Asian cuisine for dishes like stir-fries and soups.
What ingredients are typically used in a cabbage stir fry?
A cabbage stir fry usually includes napa cabbage, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, tofu, and various vegetables.
Seasonings like rice vinegar, oyster sauce, or sesame oil can also add flavor.
How do you ensure the sauce thickens in a stir fry?
To thicken the sauce in a stir fry, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the dish.
The starch will help thicken the sauce as it cooks over high heat.
What are the key ingredients for a savory stir fry sauce?
A delicious cabbage stir-fry sauce typically includes components like soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and rice vinegar.
You can also add sesame oil, garlic, and a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavor of your stir-fry dishes.
More Cabbage Recipes
- Cabbage Cucumber Salad (With Easiest Dressing!)
- 10 Minute Salmon Avocado Salad (Baked!)
- Asian Cabbage Stir Fry
- Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings (With Napa Cabbage)
- Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Easy Air Fryer Cabbage
- Ground Beef and Cabbage (20 Minutes!)
- Low Carb Cabbage Taco Skillet (Keto-Friendly)
or explore my list of 40+ best cabbage recipes
