Name: Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp and Dried Chiles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 21 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1 shallot (chopped); 10 ounces cabbage (chopped); 7 ounces raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped); 10 Chinese dried red chiles; 2 teaspoons sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil (optional)); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Introduction to Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

When you're pressed for time but still want to whip up something delicious, stir-fries come to the rescue. The beauty of a dish like Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp is its ability to be both quick and satisfying. Within a mere 20 minutes, you can prepare a flavorful meal that feels refreshing and hearty all at once. Not only is this dish packed with nutrients, thanks to the vibrant cabbage and protein-rich shrimp, but it also offers delightful textures and bold flavors.

Stir-frying is one of the fastest cooking methods out there, maximizing taste while minimizing time. This technique ensures that ingredients retain their nutritional value—perfect for health-conscious individuals. Plus, you can easily customize the stir-fry ingredients based on what you have at home. Have a little leftover chicken or some snap peas? Toss them in!

If you’re curious about bringing more global flavors into your weeknight dinners, Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp and Dried Chiles offers a taste of Asian cuisine that’s both approachable and fun. Ready to give your taste buds a kick? Let’s dive into this quick and delicious recipe! For more culinary inspiration, check out this guide on stir-frying.

Ingredients for Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Essential ingredients for the stir fry

To whip up a delicious Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp, you'll need a handful of essential ingredients that come together for a delightful flavor explosion. Here's what you need:

1 tablespoon neutral oil: Options like vegetable oil or grapeseed oil work best.
5 garlic cloves: Minced for a fragrant kick.
1 shallot: Chopped finely to add sweetness.
10 ounces cabbage: Chopped into bite-sized pieces for that satisfying crunch.
7 ounces raw shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and chopped. Fresh or frozen both work!
10 Chinese dried red chiles: These will spice things up nicely.

Optional for enhancing flavor

To elevate your dish further, consider adding:

2 teaspoons sesame oil: Preferably toasted for a richer flavor.
A pinch of fresh herbs: Such as cilantro or green onions for garnish can add a fresh touch.

With these well-chosen ingredients, your Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp and Dried Chiles is set to impress! For more tips on selecting the freshest shrimp, you can check out resources like the USDA's seafood guidelines. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step preparation of Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Gather and prepare your ingredients

Before diving into the Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp, it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This ensures a smooth cooking process, especially when you’re working with high heat. Start by gathering:

1 tablespoon of neutral oil (vegetable or grapeseed works best)
5 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped shallot
10 ounces of chopped cabbage
7 ounces of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
10 Chinese dried red chiles
Optional: 2 teaspoons of sesame oil (preferably toasted)

For the sauce, you will need:

2 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of shaoxing cooking sauce or dry sherry
¼ teaspoon of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
½ teaspoon of cornstarch

Chop and measure everything before you start cooking. Having all your ingredients ready helps keep you organized and makes the actual stir fry a breeze!

Mix the sauce components

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s create the sauce! Combine the fish sauce, shaoxing cooking sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk them together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Setting this mixture aside will allow the flavors to blend nicely, making your stir fry even more delicious.

Start cooking the aromatics

Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat and add the neutral oil. Once it’s shimmering (but not smoking), toss in the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, allowing the potent aromas to fill your kitchen. The goal here is to enhance the dish's flavor before adding the vegetables and shrimp. You’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is fragrant and golden.

Add the vegetables and shrimp

Next, it’s time to introduce the star ingredients! Add the chopped cabbage to the wok, followed by your raw shrimp. Stir-fry these together for about 5 minutes, constantly tossing and stirring. You want the cabbage to get tender while still retaining some crunch, and the shrimp should turn pink and opaque. The high heat will yield beautifully cooked shrimp and vibrant cabbage—just what we want for this dish!

Combine with the sauce and finish cooking

After the cabbage and shrimp are perfectly cooked, give your sauce a quick stir and pour it over the stir fry. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats each ingredient evenly. Cook for an additional minute or so, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Finally, finish with optional sesame oil and a sprinkle of chopped dried red chiles for an added kick. Those vibrant cabbages and shrimp are now dressed for a tasty plate!

Feel free to transfer your stir fry to a serving bowl and enjoy some well-deserved culinary triumph! This dish is not just quick and easy but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Variations on Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Adding Different Proteins

Why not switch things up? For a twist on the classic cabbage stir fry with shrimp, try swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs add a hearty depth, while firm tofu provides a protein-packed, vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly: chicken will need a bit longer to cook through, while tofu only requires a quick sauté to warm and brown.

Experimenting with Other Vegetables

Feeling adventurous? You can easily incorporate seasonal veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots into your stir fry. Simply slice them thinly and add them to the mix. This doesn't just boost the cabbage stir fry with shrimp flavor profile; it also enhances the dish's nutritional value. Check out seasonal vegetable guides like this one for inspiration!

Cooking tips and notes for Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Best cooking oils for stir fry

When it comes to Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp, the choice of oil can make a significant difference. Opt for neutral oils like vegetable or grapeseed oil, which can withstand high heat without imparting strong flavors. If you're looking to enhance the dish's depth, consider adding a splash of toasted sesame oil at the end for that nutty aroma. This combination not only elevates your stir fry but also aligns perfectly with the other savory ingredients.

How to achieve the perfect texture

To ensure your Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp has that desirable crunch, cook the cabbage until just tender, stirring constantly. This short cooking time keeps the cabbage vibrant and crisp, balancing beautifully with the succulent shrimp. Remember, the shrimp should turn pink and curl up slightly, indicating they’re cooked through without overpowering the dish. For more tips on achieving the perfect stir fry texture, check out these expert pointers.

Serving suggestions for Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Ideal sides to serve with stir fry

Pair your Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp with complementary sides that enhance its flavors, such as:

Jasmine Rice: Light and aromatic, it soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing contrast, with added texture and nutrients.
Steamed Broccoli: Adds a nutritious green element and a crunch.
Egg Fried Rice: If you're craving something heartier, this is a delightful match.

Creative plating ideas

When it comes to serving your Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp, a little creativity goes a long way:

Layered Plates: Create a colorful base with jasmine rice, topped with the stir fry, and garnished with green onions.
Bowl Arrangements: Serve in vibrant bowls that contrast with the dish’s colors for an enticing look.
Edible Flowers: Sprinkling a few edible flowers can brighten the plate and impress guests.

These thoughtful touches will not only elevate your dining experience but also make your meal visually appealing!

Time Breakdown for Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Preparation time

Get your taste buds ready! The prep time for this delicious Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp is just 15 minutes. This gives you enough time to chop the garlic, shallot, and of course, the cabbage.

Cooking time

Once you're prepped, the cooking part goes quickly! You’ll only need 6 minutes to bring all these vibrant flavors to life in your skillet.

Total time

Adding your preparation and cooking times together, you'll have a total time of 21 minutes. That means you can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without a long wait, perfect for busy weeknights!

For some great tips on vegetable stir-frying, check out resources like Serious Eats to elevate your cooking skills!

Nutritional Facts for Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Calories per serving

This delicious Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp packs a flavorful punch, all while staying relatively light! Each serving contains about 273 calories, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Key nutrients: protein, fat, and carbs

In just one serving, you’ll get:

Protein: 23.6g, perfect for muscle repair and growth.
Fat: 12.1g, mainly from healthy cooking oils.
Carbohydrates: 16.5g, with a commendable 3.3g of fiber to keep you feeling full.

This stir fry is not only tasty but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. For more insights on healthy cooking, consider checking resources from Healthline or Nutrition.gov.

FAQs about Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp by substituting the shrimp with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb flavors well and provide a hearty texture. Don’t forget to replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or a mushroom-based sauce for that umami kick.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers from your delightful Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 days. Just be sure to reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the dish’s texture.

What can I substitute for shrimp?

If shrimp isn’t your thing, there are plenty of tasty substitutes! You can use chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins like chickpeas or seitan. Each alternative will offer a unique flavor while still complementing the cabbage and spices beautifully. Think of what you enjoy most!

Feel free to reach out with any more questions, and happy cooking!

Conclusion on Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal, this Cabbage Stir Fry with Shrimp is a winner. Bursting with savory notes and a hint of spice, it's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy a dish that combines freshness and zest in a matter of minutes—your taste buds will thank you!