Stir-Fried Cabbage (Yasai Itame): A Simple Japanese Recipe

Yasai Itame, or stir-fried vegetables, is a staple in Japanese cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. This seemingly straightforward dish allows for incredible versatility; you can adapt it to include your favorite seasonal vegetables, creating a unique and delicious meal each time. From the satisfying crunch of the perfectly cooked vegetables to the subtle umami notes of the sauce, Yasai Itame offers a healthy and satisfying culinary experience, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish at a larger gathering. The delicate balance of flavors and textures makes it a true testament to the beauty of Japanese cooking.

This recipe focuses on a classic approach, highlighting the fresh taste of the vegetables and a simple yet flavorful sauce. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring even a novice cook can achieve restaurant-quality results. Ready to learn how to create this delicious and healthy Japanese dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Cabbage
  • Oyster sauce
  • Pork
  • Brown beach melon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Heat Pan

  • Prepare the cabbage by chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Slice the pork into thin strips.
  • Heat up the frying pan.
Prepare the cabbage by chopping it into bite-sized pieces.Slice the pork into thin strips.Heat up the frying pan.
Prepare Ingredients and Heat Pan

Step 2. Stir-fry Pork and Cabbage

  • Add the pork to the pan and stir-fry until it's cooked through.
  • Add the chopped cabbage to the pan.
  • Stir-fry until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
Add the pork to the pan and stir-fry until it's cooked through.Add the chopped cabbage to the pan.Stir-fry until the cabbage is wilted and tender.
Stir-fry Pork and Cabbage

Step 3. Season and Finish

  • Add oyster sauce to taste.
  • Continue to stir-fry until the sauce is evenly distributed and the cabbage is cooked to your preference.
  • Add brown beach melon for a unique flavor (optional).
Add oyster sauce to taste.Continue to stir-fry until the sauce is evenly distributed and the cabbage is cooked to your preference.Add brown beach melon for a unique flavor (optional).
Season and Finish

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve hot.
Serve hot.
Serve

Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes

Tips

  • Adjust the amount of oyster sauce according to your preference.
  • You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or onions, to this dish.
  • This recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables besides cabbage?

Absolutely! Yasai Itame is very versatile. Feel free to add carrots, onions, mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

2. What kind of oil should I use?

Neutral-flavored oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best. Avoid strongly flavored oils that might overpower the delicate vegetable flavors.


With its simple ingredients and quick cooking time, Yasai Itame is a perfect weeknight meal solution. This recipe provides a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of cabbage and other seasonal vegetables. Now go forth and enjoy your delicious, homemade stir-fried cabbage!