Cabbage Fried Rice Veg Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Cabbage fried rice is a delightful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that perfectly blends the crunchiness of fresh cabbage with the comforting flavors of fried rice. This vegetarian recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for a quick weeknight dinner, cabbage fried rice offers a versatile and flavorful option that can be customized to your liking. Packed with vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and wholesome rice, this recipe is both filling and healthy.

In today’s post, we’ll explore a simple yet delicious cabbage fried rice veg recipe that’s perfect for those seeking a meatless meal option. From prepping your ingredients to mastering the stir-fry technique, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process.

Plus, I’ll share tips and variations to make this recipe uniquely yours. If you love easy, tasty vegetarian dishes, you’re going to adore this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage fried rice is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly adaptable. It’s a one-pan wonder that allows you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great recipe for minimizing food waste.

The cabbage adds a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory soy sauce and garlic flavors.

This dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based oils and skipping any egg additions. It’s also gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.

For those who enjoy exploring more vegetable-forward meals, you might also want to check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals which offer similar vibrant, veggie-packed ideas.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
  • 1/4 cup toasted cashews or peanuts (optional for crunch)

Equipment

  • Large wok or deep frying pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Grater or julienne peeler (for carrots)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook your rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely. Using day-old rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
  2. Chop and prep veggies: Shred the cabbage finely, julienne or grate the carrot, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
  3. Heat the oil: Place your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
  5. Add the cabbage and carrot: Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still retains a nice crunch.
  6. Incorporate peas: If using frozen peas, add them now and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Add the rice: Break up any clumps of rice with your hands or a spoon, then add the rice to the pan. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables.
  8. Season the dish: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle black pepper over the rice. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to heat through thoroughly.
  9. Optional crunch: Toss in toasted cashews or peanuts for added texture and flavor.
  10. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled in advance. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and soft for fried rice recipes.

You can easily customize this cabbage fried rice by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. For extra protein, try adding scrambled tofu or chickpeas.

Another tasty addition would be a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for heat.

To keep this recipe vegan, avoid any eggs or animal-based sauces. For gluten-free options, always use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

Experiment with different oils such as coconut or avocado for subtle flavor changes. A squeeze of fresh lime before serving can brighten up the dish beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 220 kcal
Carbohydrates 38 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 6 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 450 mg
Vitamin C 40% DV

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage fried rice makes a fantastic main dish on its own or can be paired with sides like steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad. It’s also great as a filling for lettuce wraps or served alongside a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating to keep the meal light but satisfying.

If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, consider pairing it with some crispy tofu or a simple vegetable stir-fry. This dish is equally delicious served hot or at room temperature, making it ideal for packed lunches or picnics.

Conclusion

Cabbage fried rice is a versatile, flavorful, and healthful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something comforting yet nutritious. Its ability to incorporate various vegetables and flavors makes it a staple recipe to have in your cooking arsenal.

Not only is it easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, but it’s also budget-friendly and customizable to suit different dietary needs.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this cabbage fried rice has something for everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices.

For more inspiring vegetarian and vegan recipes that are just as delicious, be sure to explore the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas on the blog.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Cabbage Fried Rice Veg Recipe

Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian fried rice made with cabbage and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Add diced carrots and cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in shredded cabbage and peas; cook until tender.
  5. Add cooked rice and mix well with vegetables.
  6. Pour soy sauce and sesame oil; stir to combine.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 34 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cabbage Fried Rice Veg Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and healthy vegetarian fried rice made with cabbage and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a light meal or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)”, “1 cup shredded cabbage”, “1/2 cup diced carrots”, “1/2 cup frozen peas”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “Salt to taste”, “2 green onions, chopped”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and garlic; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced carrots and cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in shredded cabbage and peas; cook until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked rice and mix well with vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour soy sauce and sesame oil; stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “34 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X