Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick stir-fry of napa cabbage with garlic and chili flakes to help clear nasal passages and add a spicy kick. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 15 minutes pairs napa cabbage, chopped, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, dried red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 100 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 cups chopped napa cabbage and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but retains some crunch.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle in 1 tbsp soy sauce and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt, tossing everything evenly.
  4. Step 4: Turn off heat and finish with 1 tsp sesame oil, mixing gently before serving hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep napa cabbage, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage?

Chinese stir fry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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