This savory stir-fry is a delicious, quick, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Combining the rich, savory flavor of ground pork with the tender crunch of cabbage, it’s a dish that’s full of flavor yet simple to prepare. With a balance of savory, umami, and slightly spicy flavors, this stir-fry pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground pork
4 cups cabbage, shredded
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
1-2 teaspoons chili flakes or 1 fresh chili (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients: Shred the cabbage, slice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions.
Cook the pork: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the ground pork and cook until it starts to brown and cook through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Sauté aromatics: Push the pork to one side of the pan and add the garlic, ginger, and onion to the empty side. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add cabbage and sauces: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to wilt but still retains some crunch. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Description
This ground pork and cabbage stir-fry is a comforting yet light dish that’s easy to whip up with minimal ingredients. The pork adds richness, while the cabbage provides a satisfying crunch. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil delivers a delicious umami profile, making it a crowd-pleasing recipe for busy weeknights or casual dinners. You can customize this dish with extra vegetables or protein of your choice for more variety.
Tips
For a low-carb version: Skip the rice or noodles and serve the stir-fry on its own or with cauliflower rice.
Extra vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to increase the flavor and nutrition of the dish.
Adjust spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or fresh chili added.
Make ahead: This stir-fry can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Variations
Add tofu: Replace half of the ground pork with cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian variation.
Use ground beef or chicken: Ground beef or ground chicken can be used as alternatives to pork if you prefer a leaner protein or want a different flavor.
Add noodles: Stir in cooked noodles (such as udon, rice noodles, or soba) to make this dish more hearty.
Coconut twist: Add a tablespoon of coconut milk for a creamy variation that adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Corrections
Ensure to drain excess fat from the pork if necessary, as ground pork can sometimes release a lot of oil during cooking.
If using tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free, check the labeling to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
Enjoy!
This savory ground pork and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that can be customized to your preferences. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or try out some variations, you’ll surely enjoy the burst of flavors in each bite!