Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it transforms ordinary cabbage into a culinary masterpiece bursting with bold, aromatic flavors. This Chinese Sesame Garlic Cabbage is not just a recipe; it's a quick, mouthwatering journey through traditional Asian cuisine that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the leaves are roughly similar in size for even cooking.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, creating small, uniform pieces that will distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to become hot before adding sesame oil.
- Pour sesame oil into the hot pan and let it shimmer for about 30 seconds, ensuring the oil is evenly heated.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and quickly stir-fry for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors without burning.
- Immediately add chopped cabbage to the pan, tossing quickly to coat with the garlic-infused sesame oil.
- Stir-fry the cabbage for 5-7 minutes, continuously moving it to ensure even cooking and preventing burning.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the cabbage, continuing to toss and mix to distribute the seasoning thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Cook until cabbage is tender-crisp, with slightly wilted edges but still maintaining a slight crunch.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top, gently mixing to distribute.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, crisp cabbage head for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a wok or wide skillet for optimal heat distribution and stir-frying.
- Mince garlic finely to ensure even flavor infusion.
- Keep the heat at medium-high and constantly move the cabbage to prevent burning.
- For extra depth, toast the sesame seeds briefly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Don't overcook the cabbage - you want it tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust soy sauce and seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 175kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 6g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
