Cabbage Garlic Soy Peas

Featured in: Everyday Joys

This vibrant stir-fry combines thinly sliced green cabbage and sweet frozen peas with a savory garlic and soy sauce blend. Quickly cooked in vegetable oil over medium-high heat, the dish remains crisp and flavorful thanks to the fresh aromatics like minced garlic and optional ginger. Finished with a balanced sauce of soy, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect served hot as a light main or side. Garnishing with sliced scallions adds a fresh touch, while optional chili flakes can bring subtle heat.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:20:00 GMT
Steaming cabbage stir-fry with garlic, soy & peas, a bright veggie dish. Save
Steaming cabbage stir-fry with garlic, soy & peas, a bright veggie dish. | sugarprairie.com

A quick, vibrant vegetable stir-fry with tender cabbage, sweet peas, and savory garlic-soy flavor is perfect as a side or light main. This dish brings together crunch, sweetness, and umami all in one pan.

This stir-fry has become my go-to when I need a veggie-packed meal in a hurry. Its bright colors and fresh flavors always remind me of weeknight cooking successes.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage: 1 medium head (about 700 g), core removed, thinly sliced
  • Frozen green peas: 1 cup (150 g)
  • Scallions: 2, sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated (optional)
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Toasted sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Rice vinegar: 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar or maple syrup: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground
  • Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (e.g., canola, sunflower)

Instructions

Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Heat Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic (and ginger, if using) and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir-Fry Cabbage:
Add the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to wilt but remains crisp.
Add Peas:
Add the frozen peas and continue to stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until peas are heated through and cabbage is tender-crisp.
Add Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss well to coat. Cook for another minute.
Finish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.
Close-up of a colorful cabbage stir-fry with garlic and soy sauce, ready to serve hot. Save
Close-up of a colorful cabbage stir-fry with garlic and soy sauce, ready to serve hot. | sugarprairie.com

My family loves how adaptable this stir-fry is, letting us use whatever veggies we have in the fridge. It is a staple for midweek dinners and even picky eaters enjoy its mild sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cabbage stir-fry over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside grilled tofu or chicken for a hearty meal.

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 105 calories, 6 g total fat, 12 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Allergen Info

Contains soy; may contain gluten if regular soy sauce is used. For gluten-free, use certified tamari and always check ingredient labels.

A delicious vegetarian cabbage stir-fry with tender cabbage, peas, and savory garlic-soy glaze. Save
A delicious vegetarian cabbage stir-fry with tender cabbage, peas, and savory garlic-soy glaze. | sugarprairie.com

Enjoy this easy cabbage stir-fry as a wholesome veggie dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal. It is great for quick weeknight dinners.

Kitchen Help

Can I use Napa cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes, Napa cabbage works well and offers a slightly sweeter, more tender texture when stir-fried.

What can I substitute for frozen peas?

Fresh peas or sugar snap peas make excellent alternatives, adding a crisp sweetness.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to maintain flavor without gluten.

Is there a way to add spice to this dish?

Adding a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during cooking introduces a pleasant heat.

What oil is best for stir-frying these vegetables?

Vegetable oils with high smoke points like canola or sunflower oil ensure even cooking without burning flavors.

Cabbage Garlic Soy Peas

A quick, flavorful stir-fry with cabbage, peas, garlic, and soy for a vibrant vegetable dish.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Everyday Joys

Complexity Easy

Heritage Asian-inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Plant-Based, No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Vegetables

01 1 medium head green cabbage (about 1.5 lb), core removed, thinly sliced
02 1 cup frozen green peas (5.3 oz)
03 2 scallions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Aromatics

01 3 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
02 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
03 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
04 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
05 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)

Method steps

Phase 01

Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

Phase 02

Heat Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Phase 03

Cook Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger if using, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Phase 04

Stir-Fry Cabbage: Add sliced cabbage and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to wilt but remains crisp.

Phase 05

Add Peas: Incorporate frozen peas and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until peas are heated through and cabbage is tender-crisp.

Phase 06

Combine Sauce and Vegetables: Pour prepared sauce over vegetables, toss to coat evenly, and cook for an additional minute.

Phase 07

Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot garnished with sliced scallions if desired.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains soy; may contain gluten if not using gluten-free soy sauce. Use tamari for gluten-free option.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 105
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 4 g