Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or light meal? Look no further than this Japanese-inspired minced cabbage stir-fry! This recipe transforms humble cabbage into a surprisingly delightful dish, bursting with umami and a satisfying textural contrast. Forget bland boiled cabbage; this vibrant stir-fry is packed with savory depth thanks to a simple yet effective sauce. It's perfect for busy weeknights, effortlessly adaptable to your spice preferences, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for even novice cooks. The result is a moist and delicious stir-fry with a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Ready to experience the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dish? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Cabbage: 1/4 head
- Ground pork
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sugar
- Sake
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil: half
- Red chili pepper (optional)
- Potato starch
- Dried seaweed (optional)
- Pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Sauté the Cabbage
- Cut off the core and thinly slice the cabbage, including the core. Wash and set aside. (text.start: 70.52)
- Heat a frying pan over high heat with half the sesame oil. Add the cabbage and stir-fry until nicely browned. Remove and set aside without seasoning. (text.start: 162.519)
Step 2. Cook the Minced Meat and Seasoning
- In the same pan, add the ground pork, garlic, ginger, sugar, sake, and soy sauce. Break up the meat and stir-fry until the moisture evaporates and the seasoning penetrates. (text.start: 237.4)
- Add red chili pepper (remove seeds) and stir-fry until combined. (text.start: 278.479)
Step 3. Combine and Thicken
- Stir-fry the meat until the oil becomes clear. Add the pre-fried cabbage and quickly mix. (text.start: 329.96)
- Add soy sauce to enhance the flavor and aroma. (text.start: 340.84)
- Add potato starch to create a moist texture. Stir-fry until well combined. (text.start: 356.12)
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Add dried seaweed and pepper to taste (optional). Serve hot over rice. (text.start: 402.8)
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Fry the cabbage and meat separately to achieve optimal texture and flavor. (text.start: 176.64)
- Don't add salt to the cabbage before frying to prevent it from becoming soft. (text.start: 223.879)
- Stir-fry the minced meat until the oil becomes clear to bring out the flavor. (text.start: 307.56)
- Use potato starch to help seal in moisture and create a delicious, moist texture. (text.start: 356.12)
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables besides cabbage?
Absolutely! Add shredded carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to add them at the appropriate stage of cooking to ensure they're tender-crisp.
2. What if I don't have mirin?
You can substitute mirin with a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of rice vinegar per tablespoon of mirin omitted. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the stir-fry towards the end of cooking. You can also use a spicier chili garlic sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
This simple yet flavorful minced cabbage stir-fry is a testament to the magic of Japanese cooking—elevating everyday ingredients into a culinary delight. Enjoy this versatile dish as a side, a light meal, or even a topping for noodles or rice. We hope you enjoy this recipe and discover a new favorite addition to your culinary repertoire!