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Cabbage Fried Rice: A Flavorful Fusion in Under 30 Minutes

If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this Cabbage Fried Rice recipe is the perfect answer. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is an excellent way to utilize leftover rice, making it a time-saving dish for busy weeknights. The combination of finely sliced cabbage, grated carrots, and fragrant jasmine rice creates a medley of flavors and textures that come together beautifully with the addition of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of butter. With its Asian-inspired flavor and easy preparation, this dish is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.

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Cabbage Fried Rice: A Flavorful Fusion in Under 30 Minutes

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🥬🍚 Cabbage Fried Rice brings bold flavors in a flash! Packed with fresh cabbage, vibrant veggies, and savory seasonings, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. Are you ready to dig in? 😋

#FriedRiceFix 🍚 #QuickMeals ⏱️ #HealthyFlavors 🥦 #CabbageDelight 🥬 #EasyCooking 🧑‍🍳 #VeggiePacked 🌱 #WeeknightMeals 🍴 #30MinuteDinner 🌟 #FlavorsOfHome 🏡 #SimpleAndTasty 😍

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1. Green Cabbage – The Heart of the Dish

The key ingredient in this recipe is cabbage, which serves as the main vegetable. You’ll need about 8 cups of finely sliced cabbage, which is roughly 1 small cabbage or half of a large one. Cabbage brings a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft rice. As the cabbage cooks, it wilts down significantly, losing its volume but intensifying its flavor.

You can use either regular green cabbage or opt for napa cabbage for a slightly milder, more delicate flavor. If you prefer a little more texture, feel free to leave the cabbage slices thicker.

2. Carrot – A Touch of Sweetness and Color

Carrot adds not only a pop of vibrant color but also a natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce. Grated or finely shredded carrot incorporates seamlessly into the dish, offering a tender texture that complements the cabbage and rice. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while keeping the dish light and fresh.

3. Onion – Essential Aromatics for Depth of Flavor

A medium-sized onion, finely diced, provides a savory base for the fried rice. The onion’s natural sugars caramelize as it cooks, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. It also contributes to the fragrant aroma of the dish as it sautés with the cabbage and carrot.

4. Jasmine Rice – Fragrant and Fluffy

Jasmine rice is the best choice for this dish due to its light and fluffy texture and fragrant aroma. Its subtle floral notes pair wonderfully with the savory seasonings. The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice or leftover rice, as it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to toss and stir-fry without clumping together. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice, but make sure to let it cool completely before using it in this dish.

5. Soy Sauce – Salty Umami

Soy sauce brings the savory umami flavor to the dish, giving the rice its depth and richness. It also helps to season the vegetables and rice, making them come together in perfect harmony. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference. The saltiness can be adjusted according to your taste, so feel free to start with less and add more as needed.

6. Sesame Oil – Fragrant and Nutty

Sesame oil is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, providing a distinct, nutty aroma and flavor that’s both comforting and authentic. Just a teaspoon of sesame oil infuses the rice with a warm, toasty scent, elevating the entire dish. It’s an essential ingredient that brings the dish to life and gives it that authentic Asian fried rice taste.

7. Butter – Richness and Flavor

The addition of butter in this recipe helps to create a rich and creamy texture for the rice, making it more indulgent and comforting. The butter also helps to brown the vegetables and rice slightly as they sauté, adding extra flavor and depth to the dish.

8. Salt and Pepper – The Final Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. While soy sauce provides saltiness, a pinch of salt helps to round out the dish and enhance its overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spice, balancing the sweetness of the cabbage and carrot. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain the rice well and cook it according to the package instructions. If you have a rice cooker, you can use it to cook the rice; just add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water for added flavor.

Once the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool. If you’re using leftover rice, simply fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Finely slice the cabbage, ensuring that the pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly. A mandolin slicer works best for quickly slicing the cabbage, but a sharp knife will do the job just fine.

Grate the carrot and finely dice the onion. Having all the vegetables ready will make the cooking process go quickly.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and let it heat up. Toss in the sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and diced onion, and sauté over very high heat for 7 to 10 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

As the vegetables cook, they will wilt down to about one-third of their original size. The cabbage will turn golden around the edges, and the onions will soften, adding a wonderful aroma to the kitchen.

Step 4: Add Butter and Rice

Once the vegetables are cooked, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt. This adds richness and flavor to the dish. Next, add 3 cups of cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps of rice and stir it in with the vegetables.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Now it’s time to add the seasoning. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to your liking. If you like it more savory, feel free to add a bit more soy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, your Cabbage Fried Rice is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.

Notes

1. Add Protein

For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein to your fried rice. Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu are great options. You can stir-fry the protein with the vegetables or cook it separately and add it in at the end.

2. Use Different Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Peas, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms would make excellent additions to this dish. Simply sauté them with the cabbage, onion, and carrot for a more colorful and nutrient-packed fried rice.

3. Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, try adding some chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chili peppers to the dish. The spice will complement the savory flavors and add an exciting kick to the rice.

4. Make It Vegan

For a vegan version, simply omit the butter and use plant-based alternatives. You can also replace the soy sauce with tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

5. Substitute the Rice

While jasmine rice is the recommended choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of rice, such as brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, Cabbage Fried Rice is versatile and can be customized to your taste. It’s not just a great side dish, but also a satisfying main course when paired with protein or served on its own. This article will walk you through the recipe, highlighting its appeal, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions to make this dish truly your own.

The Allure of Cabbage Fried Rice

What makes Cabbage Fried Rice so appealing? It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together quickly in one pan. The cabbage gives the dish a slight crunch and a subtle sweetness, while the carrots add color and freshness. The rice is fluffy and fragrant, carrying the delicious flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil. With every bite, you get the savory taste of the soy sauce, the earthy aroma of sesame oil, and the richness from the butter—all harmonizing beautifully.

This dish is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to make. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice, which makes it an eco-friendly and waste-reducing choice. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without compromising on flavor. The cabbage provides a nutrient boost with vitamins C and K, while the carrots add a healthy dose of beta-carotene.

Cabbage Fried Rice is also highly customizable. Whether you want to add more vegetables, switch up the seasonings, or include protein like chicken or shrimp, the possibilities are endless. This dish can be made in just under 30 minutes, making it a quick and tasty meal for busy evenings or even a leisurely weekend lunch.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You Need for Cabbage Fried Rice

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Let’s go over each one to understand how they contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

1. Green Cabbage – The Heart of the Dish

The key ingredient in this recipe is cabbage, which serves as the main vegetable. You’ll need about 8 cups of finely sliced cabbage, which is roughly 1 small cabbage or half of a large one. Cabbage brings a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft rice. As the cabbage cooks, it wilts down significantly, losing its volume but intensifying its flavor.

You can use either regular green cabbage or opt for napa cabbage for a slightly milder, more delicate flavor. If you prefer a little more texture, feel free to leave the cabbage slices thicker.

2. Carrot – A Touch of Sweetness and Color

Carrot adds not only a pop of vibrant color but also a natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce. Grated or finely shredded carrot incorporates seamlessly into the dish, offering a tender texture that complements the cabbage and rice. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while keeping the dish light and fresh.

3. Onion – Essential Aromatics for Depth of Flavor

A medium-sized onion, finely diced, provides a savory base for the fried rice. The onion’s natural sugars caramelize as it cooks, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. It also contributes to the fragrant aroma of the dish as it sautés with the cabbage and carrot.

4. Jasmine Rice – Fragrant and Fluffy

Jasmine rice is the best choice for this dish due to its light and fluffy texture and fragrant aroma. Its subtle floral notes pair wonderfully with the savory seasonings. The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice or leftover rice, as it’s drier and less sticky, making it easier to toss and stir-fry without clumping together. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice, but make sure to let it cool completely before using it in this dish.

5. Soy Sauce – Salty Umami

Soy sauce brings the savory umami flavor to the dish, giving the rice its depth and richness. It also helps to season the vegetables and rice, making them come together in perfect harmony. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce depending on your preference. The saltiness can be adjusted according to your taste, so feel free to start with less and add more as needed.

6. Sesame Oil – Fragrant and Nutty

Sesame oil is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes, providing a distinct, nutty aroma and flavor that’s both comforting and authentic. Just a teaspoon of sesame oil infuses the rice with a warm, toasty scent, elevating the entire dish. It’s an essential ingredient that brings the dish to life and gives it that authentic Asian fried rice taste.

7. Butter – Richness and Flavor

The addition of butter in this recipe helps to create a rich and creamy texture for the rice, making it more indulgent and comforting. The butter also helps to brown the vegetables and rice slightly as they sauté, adding extra flavor and depth to the dish.

8. Salt and Pepper – The Final Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. While soy sauce provides saltiness, a pinch of salt helps to round out the dish and enhance its overall taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and a touch of spice, balancing the sweetness of the cabbage and carrot. Adjust the seasoning according to your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cabbage Fried Rice

Making this Cabbage Fried Rice is simple and quick. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming too sticky. Drain the rice well and cook it according to the package instructions. If you have a rice cooker, you can use it to cook the rice; just add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water for added flavor.

Once the rice is cooked, set it aside to cool. If you’re using leftover rice, simply fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Finely slice the cabbage, ensuring that the pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly. A mandolin slicer works best for quickly slicing the cabbage, but a sharp knife will do the job just fine.

Grate the carrot and finely dice the onion. Having all the vegetables ready will make the cooking process go quickly.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and let it heat up. Toss in the sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and diced onion, and sauté over very high heat for 7 to 10 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.

As the vegetables cook, they will wilt down to about one-third of their original size. The cabbage will turn golden around the edges, and the onions will soften, adding a wonderful aroma to the kitchen.

Step 4: Add Butter and Rice

Once the vegetables are cooked, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and let it melt. This adds richness and flavor to the dish. Next, add 3 cups of cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up any clumps of rice and stir it in with the vegetables.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Now it’s time to add the seasoning. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure that the rice is evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to your liking. If you like it more savory, feel free to add a bit more soy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, your Cabbage Fried Rice is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations: Making Cabbage Fried Rice Your Own

One of the great things about Cabbage Fried Rice is how easy it is to adapt to your taste. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

1. Add Protein

For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein to your fried rice. Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu are great options. You can stir-fry the protein with the vegetables or cook it separately and add it in at the end.

2. Use Different Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables! Peas, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms would make excellent additions to this dish. Simply sauté them with the cabbage, onion, and carrot for a more colorful and nutrient-packed fried rice.

3. Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, try adding some chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chili peppers to the dish. The spice will complement the savory flavors and add an exciting kick to the rice.

4. Make It Vegan

For a vegan version, simply omit the butter and use plant-based alternatives. You can also replace the soy sauce with tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

5. Substitute the Rice

While jasmine rice is the recommended choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of rice, such as brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Cabbage Fried Rice

Cabbage Fried Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

  • With Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or beef for a hearty and satisfying meal.
  • With Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, pair the fried rice with crispy pan-fried tofu for a balanced meal.
  • As a Side Dish: This dish works great as a side to a larger Asian-inspired meal, like stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or even a bowl of miso soup.

Conclusion

Cabbage Fried Rice is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftover rice. The combination of sautéed cabbage, carrots, and rice, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and light. With its quick preparation and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, healthy meal that doesn’t require hours of cooking.

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