A cabbage stir-fry that is so easy to make with just 5 main ingredients

You’ll want to try this cabbage recipe.

This Sri Lankan, vegetarian cabbage recipe also known as “gova thel dala”(cabbage fried in oil)takes less than 20 minutes to cook.

Why?

Because as many have found out(reader’s comments below), there are so many ways you can adapt this spicy cabbage stir-fry.

So make sure to grab one of these leafy vegetables when you spot them at the farmer’s market.

A popular low-carb, vegetarian side dish.

ALL the reasons to make spicy cabbage stir-fry

• A white cabbage recipe for all diets, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
• If you are looking for an easy, 20-minute cooking time, side dish then I hope you give this cabbage skillet stir-fry a try.
• It’s one of those vegetarian recipes that need the least amount of effort to create.
• This is one reason why my Sri Lankan cabbage fry(gova thel dala) recipe is one of the most popular recipes on the blog.
• With a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a cabbage-themed side that can complement any meal.

What to serve with this spicy cabbage stir fry

• Rice recipes you can pair with this cabbage recipe.
  • Serve with rice cooked over a stovetop.
  • Sri Lankan yellow rice.
  • Add more texture to your chicken fried rice, beef fried rice or even a teriyaki fried rice.
  • Serve with lemon rice.

• Meat curries, and seafood curries I have paired with the spicy cabbage stir fry.
  • My grandmother’s slow-cooked beef curry
  • beef teriyaki stir-fry(a quick and easy recipe).
  • Teriyaki chicken with pepper and onion.
  • Sri Lankan chicken curry.
  • Sri Lankan red chilli fish curry(Thalapath malu mirisata).
  • Sri Lankan devilled chicken or chilli chicken dry(Indo-Chinese recipe)

• Other vegetarian curries and stir-fries to pair with this cabbage recipe.
  • gobi Manchurian(cauliflower Manchurian).
  • chilli paneer(Indo Chinese recipe).
  • Teriyaki tofu(easy tofu recipe).
  • Sri Lankan Beetroot Curry(vegetarian, vegan).
  • spicy green beans stir-fry(bonchi thel dala).
  • Sri Lankan spicy Dry Potato curry(ala theldala)

Use the search bar to come up with more options on the blog to serve with this cabbage stir fry.

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Reader’s questions on cabbage stir fry

• Hi! Can I use curry powder instead of curry leaves? If so how much do you recommend I use?

My answer.

I would suggest NOT to use the curry powder as the taste would completely change.

You can make it without the curry leaves. try using herbs that you already have if you are not able to find the curry leaves.

• Can you substitute dried curry instead of curry leaves?

My answer

If you are substituting with curry leaf powder then yes, not curry powder.

If you are unable to find curry leaves simply substitute them with 1-2 Bay leaves.

Here are a few ideas from readers who put their own spin on this cabbage recipe.

What reader’s say and tips for cabbage recipe

Original comments here.

• Added this to my usual tofu stir-fry, and it worked perfectly.

• loved this basic recipe, but I added so much! Green peas, shredded carrot, Gardein Teriyaki “Chicken” strips, White onion, and mushrooms!

• Used the leftovers to make scrambled eggs and that was so good!

• I added peas and carrots as well and served over some cauliflower rice! I added curry powder instead and some extra turmeric! Great dish!

• I decided to add a side of shrimp and rice with the same seasoning ingredients as the cabbage and it was the ultimate.

• Added veggie meatballs, and 1 tablespoon of butter.

• I added carrots more chilli and more turmeric 💜💜 a MUST try.

• Keto recipe.

• I added peri peri chicken and Mexican rice..absolutely gorgeous!

• added it to a Mexican breakfast and it didn’t miss a beat. 🙂 Yum

Utensils and Appliances needed

As you can see, this recipe is simple yet so versatile and the best part is you can do this in a skillet like this or a frying pan.

More cabbage recipes

Cabbage curry with coconut milk.

Cabbage coconut stir-fry.

Homemade cabbage and beef stew.

Spicy green peas stir-fry.

Sri Lankan okra stir-fry

Sri Lankan spicy carrot stir-fry

Sri Lankan beetroot stir-fry curry.

Storing

Store and refrigerate in tight-lid containers, since the recipe has turmeric, any plastic container may stain, use a glass container with a lid to avoid this.
Use within 2 days.

Heating

Place in a microwavable dish with 1/2 a teaspoon of water and microwave for 1-2 minutes. follow the same instructions to reheat over the stovetop.

You might have to add a little extra salt to bring back all the flavours.

Freezing

avoid freezing.

Stop food waste by

Any extra cabbage can be added to make fried rice with leftover rice, added onto your breakfast omelette or sausages, or scrambled eggs.

RECIPE DIFFICULTY – EASY

Watch the short video guide above to help you make the cabbage stir-fry.

The ingredients mentioned below use standard measuring cups and spoons.

Ingredients to make the cabbage stir fry.

Half a head of Cabbage

2-3 tablespoons of Oil

1-2 garlic pods sliced

1 large onion sliced fine

A sprig of curry leaves(substitute with a bay leaf)

1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes

1/2 a lime

How to make spicy cabbage stir-fry

Slice the cabbage, onion, garlic, and set aside.

Place the pan over a low fire(preferably a non-stick pan.

Sauté the cabbage until they wilt and there is no moisture left in the pan.

Once the moisture from the cabbage has evaporated, maintain a low fire and pour in the oil(2 tbsps).

Add the sliced onions, curry leaves, garlic with turmeric powder(1/2 tsp), and salt to taste.

Cook for at least five minutes until you see the cabbage edges slightly burn.

Take the pan off the stove and with the remaining heat.

Add the chilli flecks(1/2-1)tsp and mix it into the cabbage stir-fry.

Taste and season with salt if necessary.

To further enhance the taste, drizzle a bit of lime juice and mix.

Serve warm over rice or your preferred main dish. 

Try out some of the reader suggestions above to give variety to this spicy cabbage stir fry recipe.

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Each recipe on this blog has been written with great care and love towards any reader who wants to try them. It’s free and on the blog, for you to try anytime.

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