Sweet And Sour Chinese Cabbage

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A vibrant sweet and sour Chinese cabbage dish with crispy textures and tangy flavors, perfect for a quick side or vegetarian main that appeals to fans of bold, savory tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. Chinese cabbage
  • 2 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 tsp. ginger root
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. monosodium glutamate
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain the trimmed Chinese cabbage.
  2. Cut the cabbage into 1-inch crosswise strips.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet or wok.
  4. Add the cabbage and ginger and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
  5. Add the leafy parts of the cabbage and cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Cover and cook for 1 minute.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil towards the end of cooking. If you want a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes. If you don't have monosodium glutamate, you can omit it or substitute with a bit more salt. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger in a pinch, using about 1/4 tsp. for each tsp. needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet and sour cabbage alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, or pair it with proteins like chicken or tofu. It also complements dishes like Chinese Scallops And Veggie Stir-Fry beautifully. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, ensuring it retains its texture. Adding a splash of water can help steam it gently while reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chinese Cabbage contains roughly 2545 calories, with 0g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 284g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1849mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

2545 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 283.5g 100% DV
Carbs 9g 3% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1848.6mg 80% DV
Potassium 17.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.3mcg
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 12.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.1mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cabbage instead of Chinese cabbage?

Yes, regular cabbage can be used, but it may have a slightly different texture and flavor. Chinese cabbage is more tender and has a milder taste, making it ideal for this dish. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as regular cabbage may take a bit longer to soften.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Yes, this sweet and sour Chinese cabbage recipe is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. It makes a great dish for those following vegan recipes and can be served as a main or side dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more spice, include sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce when cooking. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Experiment with the level of heat to suit your taste!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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