Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare all ingredients before beginning - this stir fry cooks quickly! Slice your cabbage into thin strips about 1cm wide, cut your protein into even thin pieces, and have all sauce ingredients measured and ready. This mise en place ensures you won't overcook anything while searching for ingredients.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari sauce, rice vinegar, sweetener, and chili flakes if using. Set aside. The sweetener helps balance the saltiness of the tamari without adding carbs as traditional sugar would.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Heat 1.5 tablespoons of sesame oil in your wok or large frying pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add your protein of choice and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden on the outside and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping warm.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the remaining sesame oil to the same pan. Add garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving to release its flavor without developing bitterness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add the sliced cabbage to the pan in batches if necessary - don't overcrowd. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still maintains some crispness. The cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks and releases moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Return the cooked protein to the pan with the cabbage. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the ingredients. The cabbage should be tender-crisp, not mushy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from heat and stir in half of the spring onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The stir fry should have a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately, garnished with remaining spring onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. For extra presentation points, serve in warmed bowls to keep your stir fry hot longer. Enjoy as is for a complete keto meal!</li></ol>