Spicy Garlic Fried Cabbage

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 12 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful side dish that packs a punch, this Spicy Garlic Fried Cabbage is your ticket. With a hint of heat and robust garlic notes, it's a surefire way to elevate humble cabbage into something crave-worthy. Plus, it's ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Spicy Garlic Fried Cabbage

Green cabbage is the star of this dish, offering a slightly sweet and earthy base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully. Onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth, while olive oil provides a rich, healthy fat to sauté everything. Garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that complements the cabbage. Soy sauce introduces a savory umami element, enhancing the overall taste. Crushed red pepper flakes bring the heat, which you can adjust to your liking, and smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth. Finally, salt and black pepper round out the flavors, making this dish anything but bland.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you find the cabbage releasing too much water, turn up the heat slightly to help it evaporate faster.
  • Need a milder version? Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • For a heartier dish, add cooked bacon bits or sliced sausage into the mix.
  • Use a large enough pan to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Serving Suggestions

This spicy garlic fried cabbage pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted pork. It also makes a fantastic topping for rice or noodles, transforming them into a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside some crispy tofu or as a filling in a wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will work just as well and add a vibrant color to your dish.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Spicy Garlic Fried Cabbage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to sauté but not smoking. Add your sliced onions and let them cook until they're translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure they don't stick or burn.

Once the onions are ready, toss in the minced garlic. Stir frequently for about a minute, making sure the garlic doesn't burn. Burned garlic can turn bitter, and we want to keep this dish savory and delightful.

Next, add your chopped cabbage to the pan. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. You want the cabbage to soften but still maintain a slight crunch. Stir it around to mix with the onions and garlic, ensuring even cooking.

Sprinkle the soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika over the cabbage. Give it a good stir to coat the cabbage evenly with all these flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to caramelize slightly. This caramelization adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish. Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately while it's hot and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
  • Packs a flavorful punch with simple ingredients.
  • Versatile side that pairs well with many main dishes.
  • Budget-friendly without compromising on taste.
  • Easy to adjust spice levels to suit your preference.

Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
4. Add chopped cabbage to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. Sprinkle soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika over the cabbage.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine flavors.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is slightly caramelized.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!