Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fry of tender Tianjin cabbage with fragrant garlic and a mild heat from dried chili peppers. This chinese-inspired dumplings (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs Tianjin cabbage, minced garlic cloves, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and chop 400 g Tianjin cabbage into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped dried red chili peppers and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add chopped Tianjin cabbage and stir-fry for 2 minutes until leaves start to wilt.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp sugar, and 3 tbsp water. Stir and cover the wok to steam for another 2-3 minutes until cabbage is tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove lid and stir for 1 more minute to evaporate excess liquid. Serve immediately as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili?

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 tianjin cabbage from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili?

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 Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili 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.

Is Stir-Fried Tianjin Cabbage with Garlic and Dried Chili vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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