Quick wok-tossed cabbage with garlic, ginger, soy, and chilies — spicy, crisp, perfect as a side or light main.
# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium green cabbage, core removed and thinly sliced (about 1.76 lb)
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned (optional)
03 - 4 spring onions; white parts thinly sliced
04 - Green tops of 4 spring onions, thinly sliced (to finish)
→ Aromatics
05 - 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
06 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
07 - 1–2 fresh red chiles, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
→ Sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
→ Oil
13 - 2 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil (sunflower or peanut)
→ Garnish
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
15 - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Trim, slice and measure all ingredients before heating the pan; stir-frying is rapid and benefits from having everything ready.
02 - Warm a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot and shimmering, then add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
03 - Add the chopped garlic, grated ginger and sliced chiles to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
04 - Toss in the white parts of the spring onions and the julienned carrot (if using) and stir-fry for 45–60 seconds to soften slightly.
05 - Add the sliced cabbage, raise the heat if necessary and toss continuously for 2–3 minutes until the leaves begin to wilt but retain some bite.
06 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and white pepper in a small bowl, then pour the mixture over the cabbage and distribute evenly.
07 - Stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, tossing to coat, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and glossy from the sauce.
08 - Remove the pan from the heat, fold in the green parts of the spring onions and transfer the stir-fry to a warmed platter.
09 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro if desired; serve immediately as a side or a light main with steamed rice or noodles.
