Who knew cabbage could be the secret star of your dinner table? With this easy cabbage fried rice, you’ll find yourself in a whirlwind of flavors—crispy, savory, and just the right hint of spice. And hey, the best part? It’s all ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you’re craving something quick yet unexpectedly delightful.
Steps
- Rinse the rice thoroughly, about four times, until the water is nearly clear. Drain it well, then cook according to the package directions, adding 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Once cooked, take it off the heat and set aside.
- Use a mandolin to finely slice the cabbage for speed and consistency. Dice the onion finely and grate the carrot.
- Preheat a large skillet or wok over very high heat, then add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Toss in the sliced cabbage, grated carrot, and diced onion, and sauté for 7-10 minutes until the cabbage is wilted and starts to turn golden, stirring constantly.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of butter and add the cooked rice. Stir to combine everything thoroughly, then add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well, then serve.
Ingredients
- 1 small or 1/2 large green cabbage (approximately 8 cups), finely sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated (1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cups cooked Jasmine rice (or 1 cup uncooked Jasmine rice with 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute Jasmati rice with other types of long-grain rice, such as basmati or traditional jasmine rice. The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
- What can I use as an alternative to a mandolin for slicing cabbage?
- If you don’t have a mandolin, you can use a sharp knife to finely slice the cabbage. It may take a bit more time, but it will work just as well.
- Is it okay to use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
- While leftover rice is recommended for fried rice recipes because it tends to be drier and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just make sure to allow it to cool down and dry out a bit before using it in the recipe.
- How can I make this dish vegan?
- To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or cooking oil of your choice. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as soy sauce, are also vegan-friendly.
- Can I add protein to this cabbage fried rice?
- Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or any other protein of your choice. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the rice towards the end of the cooking process.
Tips
- Use a mandolin to slice the cabbage thinly and consistently, which helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Stir constantly when sautéing the vegetables to prevent them from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Be cautious with the amount of salt added, as soy sauce is already quite salty; taste as you go.
- Serve the fried rice over lettuce leaves for added texture and a visually appealing presentation.
Equipment
- Mandoline Slicer – For finely slicing the cabbage quickly and efficiently.
- Wok or Large, Heavy-Bottomed Skillet – Essential for stir-frying the ingredients over high heat.
- Rice Cooker – For cooking the rice easily, although it’s not strictly necessary if you can cook rice on the stove.
