Keto Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Tender cabbage and savory protein sizzle in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce, creating a quick, low-carb stir fry that's bursting with umami goodness.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of a glossy cast iron wok filled with vibrant green cabbage strips, caramelized at the edges, tossed with tender chicken pieces and scattered with sesame seeds. Steam rises gently from the dish, captured in natural window light that highlights the glistening sauce coating each piece. Wooden chopsticks rest beside the wok on a dark slate surface, with small bowls of sliced green onions and red chili flakes adding pops of color. The composition showcases the texture variations - from the slight char on the cabbage to the juicy protein pieces - all nestled in the rich, glossy keto-friendly sauce.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">600g green cabbage, thinly sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g boneless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or beef strips, pork, or firm tofu)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp sesame oil, divided</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp grated fresh ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp tamari sauce (or coconut aminos)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp rice vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp chili flakes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 spring onions, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp sesame seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large wok or deep frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Sharp chef's knife</li></ul>
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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>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this cabbage stir fry vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the animal protein with firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian/vegan version. Press the tofu well before cooking to remove excess moisture, and consider marinating it first in some tamari and sesame oil to enhance flavour. All other ingredients are plant-based.

Why is cabbage an excellent choice for keto-friendly stir fries?

Cabbage is perfect for keto diets because it's low in carbs (approximately 3g net carbs per 100g) yet high in fibre and nutrients. It absorbs flavours beautifully, maintains a satisfying crunch when properly cooked, and provides volume and satiety without adding significant carbs to your meal.

How can I store and reheat leftover stir fry without making the cabbage soggy?

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use high heat in a wok or frying pan rather than a microwave. This quick high-heat method will help maintain the cabbage's texture while thoroughly warming the dish.

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