Stir-fried Miso Cabbage
The surprising addition of miso elevates this humble Chinese style stir-fried cabbage by enveloping it in an umami-packed sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
- 1 small cabbage head
- 1 tbs miso + water, preferably warm
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- Cooking oil
Roughly chop garlic. Slice cabbage into shreds.
Dissolve miso in water, up to a few tablespoons. You can't use miso paste straight from the box because it is too thick. The warmer the water is, the easier it is to dissolve.
Heat up oil in cooking pan or wok. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, not brown.
Add cabbage and toss. (Optional) To make it even more umami, you can spread out the cabbage and let it come into contact with the hot pan, to sear and caramelise it. Add miso sauce and stir to mix. Cover with a lid and let vegetables steam for a few minutes until cabbage is soft. Dish up to serve!
Chinese-Style Miso Stir-Fried Cabbage - Quick FAQ
1. What are the three ingredients in this Chinese-style stir-fried cabbage?
Cabbage, garlic, and miso paste. Oil is used for stir-frying, but the flavour comes entirely from these three ingredients.
2. Why use miso in a Chinese stir-fry?
Miso is a fermented soybean paste, similar in spirit to Chinese fermented beancurd. It adds deep umami without overpowering the dish.
3. Does miso replace soy sauce or oyster sauce in this recipe?
Yes. Miso provides enough saltiness and savoury depth, so there’s no need for soy sauce or oyster sauce.
4. What type of miso works best for stir-fried cabbage?
White or light miso works best because it’s milder and lets the natural sweetness of the cabbage shine through.
5. Will the dish taste Japanese because of the miso?
No. When cooked with garlic and oil, the miso blends seamlessly into a Chinese-style flavour profile.
6. How does miso enhance the flavour of cabbage?
The saltiness of miso balances the cabbage’s natural sweetness, creating a rich, savoury gravy as the cabbage releases its juices.
7. Can I char the cabbage for more flavour?
Yes. Letting the cabbage sit undisturbed in the pan allows caramelisation, which adds extra depth and smokiness.
8. Is this miso cabbage recipe healthy?
Yes. It’s a simple vegetable dish with minimal oil, no added sugar, and fewer additives than bottled sauces.
9. Can I add other ingredients to this stir-fried cabbage?
You can add mushrooms, tofu, or chillies, but the base recipe works beautifully on its own.
10. What dishes pair well with miso stir-fried cabbage?
It pairs well with soy-based dishes, simple proteins, or rice-centric meals as a light but flavourful side. 