Cabbage Garlic Soy Peas

Featured in: Everyday Fresh Plates

This dish offers a quick and vibrant way to enjoy tender cabbage combined with sweet frozen peas. Garlic and soy bring a savory depth, while a touch of sesame oil and rice vinegar brightens the flavors. Stir-frying keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh, perfect for a light side or main. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a balanced, easy-to-make option with an Asian-inspired flair.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:40:00 GMT
Steaming Cabbage Stir-Fry with garlic and peas, glistening with savory sauce, ready to serve. Save
Steaming Cabbage Stir-Fry with garlic and peas, glistening with savory sauce, ready to serve. | basilhearth.com

A quick vegetable stir-fry featuring tender cabbage, sweet peas, and savory garlic-soy flavors, making it an easy side or light main for weeknight dinners.

The first time I made this cabbage stir-fry, I was surprised by how much my family loved the combination of crispy cabbage and pops of sweet peas. It quickly became a staple when we wanted something nutritious but fast.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage: 1 medium head (about 700 g), core removed, thinly sliced
  • Frozen green peas: 1 cup (150 g)
  • Scallions: 2, sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated (optional)
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (e.g., canola, sunflower)

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Instructions

Prepare Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Heat Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Cook Aromatics:
Add minced garlic (and ginger, if using) and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Cabbage:
Add sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until beginning to wilt but still crisp.
Add Peas:
Add frozen peas and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until peas are heated and cabbage is tender-crisp.
Add Sauce:
Pour sauce over vegetables and toss well to coat. Cook another minute.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with scallions if desired.
A colorful bowl of fresh Cabbage Stir-Fry, with vibrant green peas and fragrant garlic aroma. Save
A colorful bowl of fresh Cabbage Stir-Fry, with vibrant green peas and fragrant garlic aroma. | basilhearth.com

This recipe is often requested at our family dinners, especially when we want a dish everyone can enjoy. Even picky eaters ask for seconds, and it pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice.

Serving Suggestions

Try serving this stir-fry over steamed rice, as a side for tofu or grilled chicken, or piled into lettuce wraps for a light lunch.

Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins

Swap green cabbage for Napa cabbage, add shredded carrots for extra color, or toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains about 105 calories, 6 g fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein per serving.

Delicious and easy, this Cabbage Stir-Fry showcases perfectly cooked vegetables in a soy-garlic glaze. Save
Delicious and easy, this Cabbage Stir-Fry showcases perfectly cooked vegetables in a soy-garlic glaze. | basilhearth.com

Enjoy this easy stir-fry as a colorful, delicious way to get more veggies into your week. All it takes is one pan and simple ingredients.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best cabbage type to use?

Green cabbage works well for stir-frying due to its firm texture and mild flavor. Napa cabbage can be a softer alternative.

→ Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Fresh peas can be used; add them towards the end of cooking to keep their brightness and texture.

→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to avoid gluten contamination.

→ What cooking oil is best for stir-frying?

Vegetable oils with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower oil, are ideal for quick stir-frying.

→ Can I add heat to this dish?

Yes, adding chili flakes or chili oil during cooking adds a pleasant spicy kick.

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Cabbage Garlic Soy Peas

Tender cabbage and sweet peas tossed in a savory garlic-soy sauce for a fast, flavorful dish.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
10 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Everyday Fresh Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Asian-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium head green cabbage, core removed, thinly sliced (about 1.5 lbs)
02 1 cup frozen green peas (5.3 oz)
03 2 scallions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Aromatics

01 3 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
02 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
03 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
04 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
05 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 02

Heat oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger if using; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Cook cabbage: Add sliced cabbage; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to soften but remains crisp.

Step 05

Add peas: Incorporate frozen peas; continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until peas are heated through and cabbage is tender-crisp.

Step 06

Combine sauce: Pour prepared sauce over vegetables; toss to coat evenly and cook for an additional minute.

Step 07

Finalize and serve: Remove from heat, adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains soy; may contain gluten if regular soy sauce is used. Use tamari for gluten-free option.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 105
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12 grams
  • Protein Amount: 4 grams

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