Ginger Sesame Cabbage is a quick, flavor-packed Asian-inspired side dish made with crisp cabbage tossed in a savory-sweet sesame dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and works great alongside rice, noodles, or grilled proteins.
Origin Ginger Sesame Cabbage
This dish draws inspiration from East Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese and Korean kitchens where sesame oil, fresh ginger, and cabbage are staple ingredients. The balance of tangy, sweet, and umami flavors with crunchy textures is a classic hallmark of these food cultures. It’s a go-to recipe in modern vegetarian kitchens for a quick and healthy side.
What I Love About This Recipe
I love how this dish takes basic ingredients and transforms them into something vibrant and flavorful in just a few minutes. The aroma of toasted sesame oil mixed with freshly grated ginger is irresistible. It’s a perfect way to make cabbage exciting—and it’s not just a side dish; I often enjoy it on its own for a light lunch.
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Ginger Sesame Cabbage
Course: Recipes4
servings15
minutes30
minutes120
kcalIngredients
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Chopped scallions (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the cabbage and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until it begins to wilt but still has a bite.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey/maple syrup if using. Stir well to coat.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until flavors combine.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
- Serve immediately warm or chilled.
Notes
- Add shredded carrots or bell peppers for more color and texture.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Great for meal prep—tastes even better the next day.
- Can also be used as a filling for lettuce wraps or spring rolls.