Imagine taking a simple dish like fried rice and giving it a wholesome twist that’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor. That’s what you get with Cabbage Fried Rice, a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a light yet fulfilling lunch. This dish swaps out some of the traditional ingredients for nutrient-rich cabbage, making it healthier without compromising on taste or texture. Ready to make a family favorite? Let’s dive in!
Why Cabbage Fried Rice Should Be on Your Menu
Cabbage Fried Rice isn’t just another stir-fry—it’s a versatile, nutrient-packed meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, health, and convenience. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Wholesome and Nutrient-Rich: Cabbage is low in calories but high in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for hectic days.
- Customizable: Add your favorite protein, swap in different veggies, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this dish is easy on your wallet.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover rice for this recipe, reducing waste and saving time.
Ingredients for Cabbage Fried Rice
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a vibrant and satisfying dish.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage (sliced) | 1 small or ½ large (~8 cups) | Base vegetable; adds crunch and volume |
| Carrot (shredded) | 1 large (~1 cup) | Adds color, sweetness, and nutrients |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium (~1 cup) | Enhances flavor and aroma |
| Cooking oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
| Cooked Jasmine rice | 3 cups | Main starch; provides heartiness |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness to the rice |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | Provides savory umami flavor |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon | Adds a nutty aroma and depth |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon, or to taste | Enhances flavor |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | A pinch, or to taste | Adds a hint of spice |
How to Make Cabbage Fried Rice
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely slice the cabbage, peel and grate the carrot, and dice the onion. Having your vegetables prepped beforehand makes the cooking process seamless.
2. Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. This creates the perfect base for stir-frying.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the grated carrot and sliced cabbage. Cook the vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. Add the Rice
- Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the butter to the empty side.
- Once the butter has melted, add the cooked Jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir to combine the rice with the vegetables.
5. Season the Rice
- Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and vegetables. Stir well to ensure the sauces are evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Heat Through
- Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and fully coated with the seasonings and vegetables.
7. Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Cabbage Fried Rice as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Why Cabbage Fried Rice Is a Healthy Choice
Cabbage Fried Rice is a lighter, more nutritious alternative to traditional fried rice. Here’s why it’s a great addition to your meal rotation:
- Low in Calories: Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, making this dish filling without being heavy.
- Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and beta-carotene from carrots, this dish supports your immune system and overall health.
- Balanced Nutrients: With rice providing energy-boosting carbs and cabbage adding fiber, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
- Customizable Protein: Add an egg, tofu, or lean meat to make it a complete meal with protein.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
This dish is well-balanced and makes for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Fried Rice
1. Use Leftover Rice
- Leftover, day-old rice works best for fried rice recipes. It’s drier, which prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
- Cabbage and carrots should remain slightly crisp for the best texture and flavor.
3. Adjust Seasonings
- Feel free to adjust the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to your personal taste.
4. Add a Protein
- To make this a complete one-dish meal, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or scrambled eggs.
5. Customize with Add-Ins
- Consider adding green peas, bell peppers, or fresh ginger for extra flavor and variety.
FAQs About Cabbage Fried Rice
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes! While Jasmine rice works best for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can use brown rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
3. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
4. How can I add spice to this recipe?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or finely chopped chili peppers for a spicy kick.
5. Can I freeze Cabbage Fried Rice?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
6. What protein options work well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a fried egg on top are all great options to turn this dish into a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you want a healthy meal on the table fast.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with vegetables and whole ingredients for a guilt-free meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients make this dish accessible for any household.
- Customizable: Endless ways to make it your own by adding your favorite proteins and veggies.
Final Thoughts: Make Cabbage Fried Rice Tonight
If you’re looking for a simple, nutritious, and flavorful meal, Cabbage Fried Rice is the answer. With its vibrant vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and hearty rice, this dish is as comforting as it is healthy. It’s perfect for meal prepping, cleaning out your fridge, or satisfying a weeknight craving without much effort. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this easy and wholesome recipe. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!
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Cabbage Fried Rice: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cabbage Fried Rice takes the classic fried rice recipe and gives it a healthy, flavorful twist. Loaded with finely sliced cabbage, vibrant carrots, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a creative way to use leftover rice, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 small or ½ large green cabbage, finely sliced (about 8 cups)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely shredded (around 1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, diced finely (about 1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper, or adjust to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables
- Finely slice the cabbage, grate the carrot, and dice the onion. Prepping the vegetables beforehand makes the cooking process smooth and quick.
-
Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the vegetables.
-
Cook the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the grated carrot and sliced cabbage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight crunch.
-
Add the Rice
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt.
- Once melted, add the cooked Jasmine rice. Stir to combine the rice with the sautéed vegetables.
-
Season the Rice
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly coat the rice in the sauce.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
-
Heat Through
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and well combined with the vegetables.
-
Serve
- Remove from heat and serve immediately. Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a flavorful stand-alone dish!
Notes
- For the best results, use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and may result in a mushy texture.
- Customize the recipe by adding green peas, scrambled eggs, or bell peppers.
- This dish stores well—refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired