If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and comforting warmth, this Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an easy, delightful twist on classic fried rice, with the crunch and subtle sweetness of cabbage taking center stage alongside colorful veggies and perfectly scrambled eggs. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a satisfying meal to impress family and friends, this recipe brings together simplicity and taste in the most wonderful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, enhancing the texture, flavor, and color of your cabbage fried rice. With straightforward, wholesome components, you’re guaranteed a delicious outcome without any fuss.
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice: Using day-old rice works best for that ideal fried rice texture without being mushy.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for sautéing and bringing everything together without overpowering flavors.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, savory depth that forms the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a wonderfully fragrant, slightly spicy note.
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced: The star vegetable, offering a satisfying crunch and mild sweetness.
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned: Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen): Delivers a tender bite and bright green color.
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten: Provides protein and a fluffy texture to the rice.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Essential for that classic umami-rich salty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Boosts depth with a savory, slightly sweet richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and lift the flavors.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped: Leaves a fresh, sharp kick on top.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Provides a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop, grate, and measure out everything before you start cooking. Having your vegetables sliced thinly and eggs beaten in advance means each step flows smoothly and the cooking time shrinks, making this dish both quick and enjoyable to make.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics
Warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick pan or wok. Toss in onion and garlic, stirring constantly until the onion becomes translucent and that irresistible garlicky fragrance fills your kitchen; this is the flavor foundation you want.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add in the cabbage, carrots, and peas. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes so the vegetables soften slightly but keep a bit of crunch. This contrast in texture is one of the best parts of the cabbage fried rice recipe.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, and pour your beaten eggs onto the empty side. Stir gently to scramble them until fully cooked. Then, combine eggs with the vegetables to mix their fluffy richness evenly through the dish.
Step 5: Add and Mix in the Rice
Now, introduce your cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and blend it with the veggies and eggs, ensuring every grain is coated and separated to avoid sogginess.
Step 6: Flavor with Sauces
Pour the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly and cook for another couple of minutes so the rice absorbs those deep umami flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil and Seasoning
Drizzle sesame oil on top, giving the dish a final stir for a delicate nutty aroma. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss in the green onions just before serving to add freshness and a bit of crunch.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the dish for an extra touch of texture and prettiness. Your warm, comforting cabbage fried rice recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds brighten up the presentation and add little bursts of flavor and texture. You can also add a wedge of lime or some chili flakes if you like a tart or spicy twist.
Side Dishes
This cabbage fried rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, crispy tofu, or even a light soup like miso or hot and sour for a more complete meal. Simple pickled vegetables on the side also bring a lovely zing that contrasts with the rich rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the rice inside hollowed cabbage cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Alternatively, plate it topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of Sriracha for a trendy and delicious presentation. It’s just as impressive on a family dinner table as at a casual gathering with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your cabbage fried rice completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient, ready-to-eat meal whenever you need a quick fix.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. While the texture of the veggies might soften a little, the dish still tastes fantastic and is perfect for meal prep.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works well too, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly and keeps the texture pleasant.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making your dish even healthier. Just be aware that it takes longer to cook initially and has a chewier texture, which complements the softness of the cooked vegetables nicely.
What can I add to make this cabbage fried rice more protein-rich?
If you want to boost protein beyond eggs, feel free to toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame. Each option pairs well with the flavors and keeps the dish balanced and filling.
Is oyster sauce necessary for this recipe?
Oyster sauce is optional but recommended if you want a deeper, more savory flavor. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan, you can leave it out or substitute with mushroom sauce for a similar umami boost.
How do I prevent my fried rice from being soggy?
The key is to use rice that’s been cooked and cooled beforehand—preferably a day old. This dries out the rice grains slightly, so when stir-frying, each grain stays separate and perfectly textured instead of clumping or becoming mushy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to replace the regular soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or omit it. This way, the recipe remains flavorful without gluten concerns.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe is a true kitchen gem that combines simplicity, wholesome ingredients, and irresistible taste all in one pan. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy crunchy veggies, fluffy eggs, and fragrant rice together, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Once you do, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite go-to meals, just like it is for me!
Print
Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful cabbage fried rice recipe made with cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and scrambled eggs, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cook the rice if not done yet, chop the vegetables, and beat the eggs to get everything ready for cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat to start cooking the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan, cooking until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in sliced cabbage, grated carrots, and peas; cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender but retain some crunch.
- Scramble Eggs: Push vegetables to one side of the pan, pour in beaten eggs on the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked.
- Combine Eggs and Vegetables: Mix the cooked eggs thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add Rice: Add cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir well to combine with the eggs and vegetables.
- Season Rice: Pour soy sauce and optional oyster sauce over the mixture; stir thoroughly to evenly coat the rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sesame Oil: Drizzle sesame oil over the fried rice and stir one final time for added flavor.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in chopped green onions for freshness and optionally garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a nice umami flavor.
- You can substitute vegetables based on preference or what you have on hand.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the eggs and oyster sauce.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity according to salt preference.
