napa cabbage stir fry recipe

The Best napa cabbage stir fry recipe
I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – Napa Cabbage Stir Fry. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason.
It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and has a unique flavor that everyone loves. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a cookbook from Korea, where Napa cabbage is a popular ingredient.
The original recipe was simple, yet flavorful, and I knew right away that I had to adapt it to fit our tastes and dietary needs. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even more delicious and convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions.
My kids adore helping me prepare the ingredients and stirring the wok, making this a fun activity for all of us to enjoy together. As for why we love this recipe so much, it’s because it’s incredibly versatile – we can serve it as a side dish, add protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal, or even use it as a base for other stir-fries.
Plus, the best part is that it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when we’re short on time but still want something healthy and satisfying. I’ve found that the key to making this dish truly shine is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the cabbage – it should still have a bit of crunch left in it.

Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage with Garlic and Soy
This quick and easy stir-fry highlights the mild, sweet flavor of napa cabbage with a savory garlic and soy sauce. The cabbage is cooked until just tender-crisp, making it a perfect side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.
🥘Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage with Garlic and Soy Works
This Napa Cabbage Stir Fry is always a hit at family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients and has a unique flavor that everyone loves.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we can serve it as a side dish or add protein like chicken or tofu for a complete meal. To store leftovers safely, be sure to refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3 days.
When reheating leftovers, simply reheat in the wok with some oil until hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave by covering them with plastic wrap and heating on high for 30-60 seconds.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage with Garlic and Soy
Q: What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use Napa cabbage, which has a milder flavor and crisper texture than regular cabbage. You can usually find Napa cabbage in most supermarkets or Asian markets. If you can’t find Napa cabbage, you can substitute with regular cabbage or even collard greens as a last resort.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to cook the stir-fry just before serving to ensure the best flavor and texture. However, if you need to cook ahead of time, you can store the cooked stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add protein like meat or tofu to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! In fact, adding protein like chicken, beef, pork, or tofu makes this dish even more satisfying and filling. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the protein you’re using.
Q: Can I use different seasonings or spices in this recipe?
A: Yes! While the original recipe calls for soy sauce and garlic as seasonings, feel free to experiment with other seasonings like ginger, chili flakes, or even Korean chili paste (gochujang) to give your stir-fry an extra kick.
Q: Can I serve this dish as a main course?
A: While Napa Cabbage Stir Fry makes an excellent side dish on its own, you can easily add some protein like chicken or tofu and serve it as a main course. Simply add your protein of choice towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
