If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts comforting, quick, and nourishing, Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine crisp-tender shreds of cabbage, fragrant garlic, and silky ribbons of scrambled egg, all tossed with a hint of soy sauce and sesame—each bite is simple yet so flavorful. This humble stir-fry is a weeknight hero, perfect for when you want something light, satisfying, and packed with wholesome veggies. Whether you’re serving it as a speedy side or a light main, this colorful dish always delivers on taste, texture, and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg is in its simplicity: every ingredient is easy to find, and each one brings its own special magic to the pan. From the freshness of the cabbage to the savory touch of soy sauce, here’s what you’ll need to make this classic sing.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral base that helps everything cook evenly and lets the other flavors shine.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aroma and depth—don’t skip this, it’s what makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Shredded green cabbage: The star of the show, offering a sweet crunch that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Large eggs (beaten): Bring a silky, protein-rich element that turns this from a side into a satisfying meal.
- Soy sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness, tying all the flavors together.
- Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle at the end adds a nutty, toasty finish you’ll love.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—adjust to your taste, especially if your soy sauce is salty.
- Ground white or black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity; white pepper gives a subtle edge, but black works perfectly.
- Green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and a fresh or toasty crunch on top.
How to Make Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg
Step 1: Heat the Oil and Sauté the Garlic
Start by setting a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, and swirl in the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry it for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant and golden, but not brown. This quick step infuses the oil with incredible flavor, forming the aromatic backbone of your Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Cabbage
Next, toss in the shredded cabbage. Stir-fry everything for 4 to 5 minutes, keeping the heat lively so the cabbage softens but still keeps a bit of its crunch. You’re looking for it to turn bright green and tender-crisp, soaking up all those garlicky notes. This stage is where the cabbage shines, becoming sweet and juicy without losing its bite.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
Push the cabbage to one side of the pan, creating a little space for your eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into this open area, letting them set for a few seconds before gently scrambling. Once the eggs are just cooked through—soft and fluffy—stir everything together so the eggs mingle with the cabbage. This is what makes Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg so satisfying and cohesive.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil (if using), then sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Toss everything together, letting the flavors meld for about a minute. The soy sauce adds a savory depth, while the sesame oil gives a lovely, nutty aroma that lingers. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your chance to make the dish perfectly yours.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and, if you like, sprinkle your Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg with chopped green onions or a handful of sesame seeds. Serve hot, either as a vibrant side or a light main over steamed rice or noodles. It’s ready in minutes and guaranteed to disappear just as quickly!
How to Serve Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg
Garnishes
A finishing touch can take your Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg from everyday to extra special. Scatter sliced green onions for freshness and color, or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a gentle crunch. Both add a hint of contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as to the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish plays well with so many others. Enjoy it alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. Pair Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg with grilled tofu, teriyaki chicken, or a bowl of miso soup for a complete, satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For something different, try piling the stir-fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or serve over a bed of brown rice with a drizzle of chili crisp for a spicy kick. Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or as a topping for rice bowls—let your creativity run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg, simply transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect addition to lunchboxes or quick dinners later in the week. The flavors even deepen a bit as they sit!
Freezing
While you can technically freeze this dish, the cabbage may lose some of its signature crunch and become a bit watery after thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and eat within a month. For best results, enjoy Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until hot, stirring gently to preserve the texture of the eggs and cabbage. You can also microwave it on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between. If the dish seems a little dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive it.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Red cabbage brings a beautiful color and a slightly earthier flavor to the dish. Just keep in mind it may take a minute or two longer to soften, and the final color will be more vibrant and striking.
Is Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari. Always check labels to be sure, especially if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg is super flexible—try adding julienned carrots, sliced onions, or bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Just stir-fry firmer veggies for a minute or two before adding the cabbage.
What’s the best oil to use?
A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil works best, as they have high smoke points and won’t overpower the other flavors. If you want a hint of richness, a little drizzle of sesame oil at the end is perfect.
How do I stop the eggs from overcooking?
The trick is to scramble the eggs just until they’re barely set, then stir them quickly into the cabbage. The residual heat will finish cooking them without turning them rubbery, keeping your Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg tender and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg a try soon—once you taste how easy and flavorful it is, it might just earn a permanent spot in your weekly lineup. Don’t be afraid to play with the add-ins and garnishes, and most of all, enjoy every colorful, nourishing bite!
Print
Stir-Fried Cabbage with Egg Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and healthy stir-fried cabbage with scrambled eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and optional sesame oil, perfect as a light main dish or a side. This easy Asian-inspired recipe is packed with flavor and ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat oil and garlic: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aroma.
- Cook cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp. Push the cabbage to one side of the pan to create space.
- Scramble eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the pan and scramble them until just cooked through. Then stir everything together evenly.
- Season and combine: Add soy sauce, optional sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the pan. Toss to combine all ingredients and cook for another minute to ensure the flavors meld and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- This dish is quick, budget-friendly, and pairs well with rice or noodles.
- You can add julienned carrots, onions, or bell peppers to enhance color and flavor.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
