| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 7g | 1g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 3g | 1.2g |
Raised amidst the rich Cuban and Spanish heritage in Miami, vibrant and exotic flavors have always held a special place in my heart and palate. Both from the kitchens of my affectionate abuelas and the dancing streets of vibrant Miami, food has been a constant source of joy and inspiration. Today, I want to introduce you all to a wonderfully simple, yet surprisingly flavorful recipe – Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage with Garlic.
Flavors beyond Borders
Albeit Asian in its origin, this Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage with Garlic reminds me of the time-honored Cuban Caldo Gallego while leaving room for its unique East-Asian flair. The robust garlic flavor combined with the subtle sweetness of Chinese Cabbage, finished off with a hint of toasted sesame oil enhances the humblest of ingredients to a gourmet treat. This dish goes beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or it can be an excellent companion to your Cantonese-style claypot rice.
Healthful & Nutritious Affair
With my dance teaching background, I cannot stress enough the importance of a well-balanced meal for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This recipe not only brings a medley of delightful flavors to your plate but also is packed with numerous health benefits. Chinese cabbage is a great source of vitamins C and K and carries a decent amount of fiber. Garlic, on the other hand, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, is a rich source of Vitamin C, B6, and manganese. Further touched with minimal oil and balanced with the goodness of soy sauce, this light yet nourishing dish can easily be a part of your regular diet.
So, if you are on the lookout for a quick, nutritious stir-fry recipe that kindles your taste buds and also keeps a tab on the calories, this Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage with Garlic might just become your new favorite.
Exploring the Taste Spectrum
While embracing new flavors and cuisines, what’s thrown me in awe is the ability to cross lines and create a melting pot of dishes, something I believe resonates with the melting pot that Miami is. Graced by traditional flavors of my roots and complemented by the vibrant world kitchen, each recipe, like this Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage with Garlic, is an adventuresome journey on the food map.
What You’ll Need
- 2 heads of Chinese cabbage
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the Chinese cabbage thoroughly. Once clean, chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Next, peel the garlic and mince it finely.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, or until it begins to turn golden brown.
Step Three
Add the chopped Chinese cabbage to the skillet with the garlic. Stir-fry the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly wilted. Make sure to keep stirring to prevent the cabbage from burning on the bottom of the pan.
Step Four
While the cabbage is stir-frying, mix the cornstarch in the 1/4 cup of water to dissolve it completely. Set this aside for later.
Step Five
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper directly to the skillet with the Chinese cabbage. Mix everything together well so that all the cabbage is evenly coated in the sauce and seasonings.
Step Six
Pour the water and cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Continue to stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened nicely.
Step Seven
Once the sauce is thick, remove the skillet from the heat. Your Stir-Fried Chinese Cabbage with Garlic is ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious dish while it’s hot!
