Hunan Cabbage Stir-Fry
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring crisp napa cabbage cooked with a spicy and savory Hunan-style sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and offers a delightful balance of heat, tang, and umami, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, minced
- 2-3 Dried red chilies, broken
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chili bean paste (Doubanjiang)
- 1 tbsp Black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame oil (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili bean paste, black vinegar, sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) is key to authentic Hunan flavor; adjust the amount based on your spice preference. - 2
Stir-fry aromatics and chilies: Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the dried red chilies and stir-fry for another 15-20 seconds until they darken slightly, being careful not to burn them.
💡 Tip: Toasting the dried chilies releases their flavor and aroma. Be mindful of the heat and smoke. - 3
Add cabbage: Add the thinly sliced napa cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt but remains crisp-tender.
💡 Tip: Napa cabbage cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to maintain its crisp texture. - 4
Add sauce and finish: Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk and pour it into the wok. Stir-fry continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the cabbage evenly.
💡 Tip: Stirring constantly helps the cornstarch in the sauce to thicken evenly. - 5
Serve: Remove from heat. If desired, drizzle with 1 tsp of sesame oil for extra aroma. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This dish is best served immediately while the cabbage is still crisp.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili bean paste and dried chilies.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like sliced carrots or bell peppers along with the cabbage.
- ✓If you don't have black vinegar, balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add protein: Stir-fry thinly sliced pork, chicken, or firm tofu before adding the cabbage and sauce.
- Make it vegan: Ensure your chili bean paste is vegan and omit any optional meat additions.