Cabbage can be prepared in various ways: boiled, used in soups, or pickled, but stir-frying remains the most popular method. However, many struggle with the vegetable becoming watery, mushy, and less flavorful when stir-fried. According to chefs, the secret to achieving vibrant green, crisp, and delicious stir-fried cabbage lies in an additional preparatory step before it hits the pan.
Ingredients
– 1 small head of cabbage.
– 3 garlic cloves.
– 4 dried chili peppers (optional, for those who prefer less heat).
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
– A dash of white vinegar and white sugar.
– Salt, pepper, and cooking oil as needed.

Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
– Separate the cabbage into leaves, discard the tough core, and tear it into bite-sized pieces by hand (avoid using a knife to preserve the natural flavor).
– Place the cabbage in a bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of salt, rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt, and repeat with fresh water several times.
Prepare the Seasonings
– Chop the dried chili peppers into small pieces and slice the garlic thinly.
– Mix the sauce: combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of salt, a dash of white vinegar, and white sugar, stirring until well blended.
Blanch the Cabbage
– Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt and cooking oil.
– Quickly blanch the cabbage for about 20 seconds, then drain and set aside.
– Blanching helps the cabbage retain its vibrant green color, crisp texture, and reduces water release during stir-frying.
Stir-Fry the Cabbage
– Heat a pan with sufficient cooking oil, frying the peppercorns over low heat until aromatic.
– Add the garlic and dried chili peppers, stir-frying until fragrant.
– Toss in the cabbage, stir-frying quickly over high heat, ensuring even coating with the seasonings.
– Pour in the prepared sauce, continuing to stir-fry until the cabbage is tender and evenly seasoned.
Final Dish
The stir-fried cabbage boasts a vibrant emerald hue, remains crisp and juicy, and is incredibly flavorful. With just a few simple steps, this seemingly ordinary dish becomes irresistibly appealing, even outshining meat for vegetable enthusiasts.
Tips for Stir-Frying Cabbage:
– Tear the cabbage by hand to preserve its natural flavor. Alternatively, you can use a knife if preferred!
– Blanch the cabbage for 20 seconds before stir-frying to ensure crispness and color retention.
– Stir-fry quickly over high heat until just tender for optimal freshness and taste.