Dinner

20 Minute Asian Cabbage Stir Fry for Quick Dinner Joy Recipe

Name: 20 Minute Asian Cabbage Stir Fry for Quick Dinner Joy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Sesame seeds for garnish

ByRafael Mansero March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

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Introduction

This 20 Minute Asian Cabbage Stir Fry is a vibrant and quick dish perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together in no time.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece of ginger, grated
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 6: Pour the sauce over the stir-fried vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped green onions.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

For added protein, toss in cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp during the stir-fry step.
Use napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter and more tender texture.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid wilting the vegetables too much, or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish with three layers, served on a white plate with a speckled pattern. The bottom layer consists of slightly wilted light green and white cabbage pieces with some browned, crispy edges. The middle layer has bright green, thinly sliced scallions scattered over the cabbage. The top layer is sprinkled with black sesame seeds and small red chili flakes, giving a glossy, slightly oily look to the vegetables. The dish has a shiny texture, showing it is coated with a flavorful sauce. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this stir fry vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as written. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly and avoid adding any animal-based proteins.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Use the same amount to maintain the acidity and bright flavor in the sauce.