Looking for a quick, easy, and economical side dish? Cabbage Fried Rice is the answer! This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal, highlighting the versatility of cabbage in an Asian-inspired stir-fry. Perfect for weeknights when time and budget are tight, this dish is a winner for home cooks of all levels.
What is Cabbage Fried Rice?
Cabbage Fried Rice is a simple, yet delicious, variation of classic fried rice. Instead of relying solely on rice, vegetables, and protein, it incorporates shredded cabbage as a prominent ingredient, adding a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. This dish is incredibly adaptable — you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and sauces to suit your taste preferences.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked rice and vegetables, minimizing food waste and creating a brand-new, exciting meal. It’s budget friendly, only requires ingredients you very likely have in your fridge, and comes together in mere minutes. Ready for a quick, affordable, and incredibly tasty side? Give this Cabbage Fried Rice a try tonight!
Key Ingredients for Cabbage Fried Rice:
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups, preferably day-old rice for the best texture (prevents it from becoming too mushy).
- Shredded Cabbage: 2 cups, green or napa cabbage works well. Make sure it’s finely shredded for even cooking.
- Onion: 1/2 medium, diced – adds aromatic sweetness.
- Carrot: 1/2 medium, diced – provides color and a slight crunch.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – essential for flavor.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons – for that classic umami flavor. Use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon – adds a nutty aroma and flavor, a key component of Asian cuisine.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon – for cooking the vegetables.
- Scallions: 2, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and appealing visual.
- Optional Protein: 1/2 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled egg, diced or chopped. This adds body to the dish and gives you another ingredient to play with.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, to taste – If you like some spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can really bring up the dish!
How to Make Cabbage Fried Rice:
This Cabbage Fried Rice is quick, easy, and wonderfully satisfying! Prep time will only take about 5 minutes, with a cook time for this recipe taking only about 15 minutes! It features a satisfying crunch from the cabbage, savory flavors from the soy sauce and garlic, and adapts easily to your favorite vegetables and protein.
Its easy to customize, making this fast, budget-friendly side will become a regular in your rotation – perfect to accompany any dish you want, or as a meal on its own.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and carrot, mince the garlic, and shred the cabbage. Chop the scallions for garnish. Measure out the soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. If using, prepare your protein (cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled egg) by dicing or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened and fragrant. Be sure not to burn the onions, as you don’t want to affect the taste negatively. Increase the heat back up to medium-high, if required.
Add Garlic and Cabbage: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to wilt slightly but still retains a bit of crunch. If you want less crunch, feel free to cook them longer.
Incorporate Rice and Protein (Optional): Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula or spoon. If using protein, add it now. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through. The rice will cook a bit more, so make sure it doesn’t burn or dry out (add water, if needed).
Add Sauce and Flavor: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir-fry for another minute, ensuring the sauce is evenly distributed and the ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped scallions. Serve immediately as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy your delicious and quick Cabbage Fried Rice!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Fried Rice:
This Cabbage Fried Rice is more than just a quick side; it’s a flavor-packed, budget-friendly sensation. The star of the dish is the delightful crunch of the cabbage, which adds a unique texture that’s missing from traditional fried rice. The cabbage adds an element unlike most fried rice side, while complimenting the dish, making it the star of the show.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly economical. Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, making this dish a great way to stretch your grocery budget. The savory combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil creates an irresistible umami flavor, and the addition of scallions provides a fresh, aromatic finish.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like our Vegetarian Fried Rice. Ready to transform humble cabbage into a culinary delight? Try this Cabbage Fried Rice tonight.
What to Serve Cabbage Fried Rice With:
Cabbage Fried Rice is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Grilled Chicken or Tofu: Complements the Asian flavors and adds a protein source for a complete meal.
- Spring Rolls: The crispy texture of spring rolls contrasts beautifully with the slightly softer rice.
- Miso Soup: Provides a warm and comforting accompaniment.
- Asian Salad: A refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the rice.
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snow peas, to add more flavors and ingredients to the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cabbage Fried Rice:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and less likely to clump together, resulting in a better texture for fried rice.
- Shred Cabbage Finely: Ensure the cabbage is finely shredded to ensure it cooks evenly and integrates well into the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the vegetables and rice in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, giving your dish a subpar flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, sesame oil for aroma, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use High Heat: Cooking over high heat will help create a slightly crispy texture and prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Other Ingredients: Using the above ingredients might feel boring, and that’s ok! Throw in any other ingredients that you want to make your dish unique!
5 Facts about Cabbage Fried Rice:
- Adaptable: This recipe can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and sauces.
- Economical: Cabbage is a budget-friendly ingredient, making this dish a great option for affordable meals.
- Quick and Easy: It takes only about 20 minutes to prepare and cook this dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: It can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
- Nutritious: Cabbage is a good source of vitamins and fiber, adding nutritional value to your meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the Cabbage Fried Rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Do not leave it out for more than four hours before storing.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use a microwave, stovetop, or oven. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or oil to prevent sticking. For the oven, spread the rice on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze Cabbage Fried Rice. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Freezing will affect the texture of the rice, making it slightly softer.
Final Thoughts:
Cabbage Fried Rice is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, affordable, and quick meal. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to use up leftover rice and vegetables. With its satisfying crunch and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Cabbage Fried Rice FAQs:
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it may take longer to cook and has a slightly different texture. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions before adding it to the recipe.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, simply omit the meat and it makes a fantastic vegetarian dish.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the rice mixture while stir-frying.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the vegetables before adding them to the skillet.