Spicy Garlic Napa Cabbage Recipe
This Spicy Garlic Napa Cabbage dish is a bold, flavorful side inspired by Korean and Chinese cuisine. It features tender Napa cabbage stir-fried with a garlicky, spicy sauce. It’s a perfect side dish for rice, noodles, or grilled meats.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients:
1 medium Napa cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
5 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, minced (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Sauce Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Additional sliced green onions
Instructions
⏲️ Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the Napa cabbage thoroughly and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Mince garlic and ginger, and slice green onions.
In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Cabbage
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Napa cabbage and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until it softens but still has some crunch.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat the cabbage.
Let it cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
If using cornstarch, pour in the slurry and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve hot with rice or as a side dish to grilled meats or tofu.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Estimated values, may vary based on ingredients used)
Calories: ~80 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Sodium: 500mg (depends on soy sauce used)
Fiber: 2g
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
1. Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes! Reduce or omit the gochugaru and gochujang. You can replace them with a little paprika for color without the heat.
2. What can I substitute for Napa cabbage?
You can use bok choy, regular green cabbage, or even kale. However, Napa cabbage has a softer, sweeter taste.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, grilled meats, tofu, or even in a bibimbap bowl.
5. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Try adding shrimp, chicken, tofu, or tempeh for e
xtra protein.