Welcome to a delightful and incredibly simple dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen: Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry. This recipe combines tender-crisp cabbage with fluffy scrambled eggs, all brought together with savory seasonings. It is a wonderfully quick and easy option, perfect for busy weeknights.
Enjoy this versatile dish as a light main course or a flavorful side to your other Asian-inspired meals.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry
You are going to adore this simple yet satisfying Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry for many fantastic reasons. It truly embodies quick and easy cooking.
- Super Fast: You can go from prep to plate in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Accessible Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday staples you likely already have on hand. No fancy trips to specialty stores needed!
- Satisfying Blend: It offers a delightful mix of tender cabbage and soft, fluffy eggs, creating a comforting texture.
- Healthy & Budget-Friendly: Packed with vegetables and protein, it is a nutritious and economical meal choice.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and clear instructions make this the perfect stir fry recipe for new cooks.
Ingredients for Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry:
- 1/4 middle size cabbage, washed, drained completely, and then shredded
- 2 large eggs, whisked with a small pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 thumb ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp. vegetable cooking oil, divided
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
- 2 fresh small Thai peppers, cut into thin circles (optional, for heat)
Notes & Substitutions
- Cabbage: Napa (Chinese) cabbage is recommended for its mild flavor and tender texture. Research highlights the nutritional benefits of Napa cabbage, including vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber. Green cabbage works as an alternative if you prefer a slightly crunchier bite in your stir fry.
- Eggs: Always use fresh large eggs for the best flavor and fluffiness in this dish.
- Aromatics: Adjust the amounts of minced garlic and ginger to match your personal preference. Feel free to add more for a bolder taste.
- Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce provides a balanced savory flavor without making the dish too dark. Tamari is an excellent gluten-free alternative.
- Spice: For an extra kick, add the optional Thai chilies. You can also use a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.
- Oil: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are all suitable for high-heat cooking required for this quick stir fry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your delicious Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow along for a perfect weeknight meal.
- Prepare the Cabbage: First, thoroughly wash the cabbage. Then, hand shred it into small, manageable pieces. It is crucial to drain the cabbage completely afterward. Excess water will make your stir fry watery and prevent proper searing. Use a salad spinner if you have one, or pat it dry with paper towels.
- Whisk the Eggs: Take your two large eggs and whisk them vigorously in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisking well ensures fluffy, evenly seasoned scrambled eggs.
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable cooking oil in your large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, pour in the whisked egg mixture. Let it set for a few seconds until the edges begin to firm. Then, use your spatula to gently break the egg into small, fluffy pieces. Cook until just set, then transfer the scrambled eggs out of the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the same pan. If there is already enough oil left from the eggs, you might need less. Increase the heat to high. Once the oil is hot, add the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry constantly for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir-Fry Cabbage: Immediately add the shredded cabbage to the pan with the aromatics. Continue to stir-fry rapidly for about 1 to 2 minutes. The cabbage should start to soften slightly and become tender-crisp. You want it cooked but still with a nice bite. This quick cabbage and egg stir fry technique preserves its texture.
- Combine and Season: Return the cooked scrambled eggs to the pan with the cabbage. Add the light soy sauce, the remaining salt, pepper, and the sliced Thai peppers (if using for a spicy kick). Toss everything together thoroughly with your spatula for about 30 seconds, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the seasonings. The beauty of this easy stir fry is how quickly it comes together.
- Serve Immediately: Once everything is heated through and well mixed, your Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry
Achieve perfect results every time with these valuable tips for your Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry.
- Dry Cabbage is Key: Always ensure your cabbage is thoroughly drained and as dry as possible. This prevents a watery stir fry and allows the cabbage to sear properly, resulting in a tender-crisp texture.
- High Heat: Cook your stir fry over high heat. This is essential for quickly cooking the ingredients, developing flavor, and preventing them from steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you are making a larger batch, cook the ingredients in smaller portions. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature and steams the vegetables instead of stir-frying them.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your stir fry before serving. Adjust the seasonings like salt, pepper, or soy sauce to your personal preference.
- Freshness Matters: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will always yield the most flavorful Chinese cabbage stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry pairs well with many dishes and can be customized endlessly.
- Classic Pairing: Serve your warm stir fry over a bed of fluffy steamed white or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Noodle Dish: For a heartier option, combine this dish with cooked egg noodles or ramen. Toss them together in the pan for a quick noodle stir fry.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Pack it into containers for convenient and healthy packed lunches throughout the week.
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms. Incorporate them during the cabbage stir-frying step.
- Protein Addition: Amp up the protein by adding cooked chicken strips, shrimp, or cubed firm tofu. Add them back to the pan with the eggs.
- Sauce Swap: Experiment with different Asian sauces. A dash of oyster sauce adds umami, while a swirl of sesame oil at the end provides a nutty aroma.
Nutrition Information
This amazing Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry is a nutritious choice, packing flavor without heavy ingredients. It offers essential vitamins, dietary fiber from the cabbage, and quality protein from the eggs. This recipe is also relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great option for a balanced diet.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. For precise details, refer to the nutrition facts listed below per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 299 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 9 g |
| Protein Content | 8 g |
| Fat Content | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 164 mg |
| Sodium Content | 497 mg |
| Fiber Content | 3 g |
| Sugar Content | 4 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 21 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry vegan?
Yes, absolutely! Simply replace the eggs with crumbled firm tofu that has been pressed and then scrambled in the pan.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.
Why is my stir fry watery?
This often happens if the cabbage was not drained thoroughly or if you overcrowded the pan. Ensure high heat and dry ingredients for best results.
Conclusion
This Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry truly proves that delicious, homemade meals do not need to be complicated. With its minimal ingredients, quick cooking time, and fantastic flavor, it is an ideal recipe for busy parents and beginner cooks alike.
We encourage you to try this simple, healthy, and satisfying dish tonight. You will love how easy it is to create your next favorite stir fry meal!
Chinese Cabbage Egg Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash, drain, and shred the cabbage. Ensure it’s very dry to avoid a soggy stir fry.
- Whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Scramble eggs until set, then remove from pan.
- Add 2 tbsp oil to the wok. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and Thai peppers. Stir everything to combine.
- Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy as a main or side dish.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use Napa cabbage for a tender bite.
- Thai peppers optional for heat.
- Light soy sauce can be swapped with gluten-free tamari.
