Spicy Cabbage Recipe: A Flavorful Side Dish for Sausage and Shrimp
This recipe offers a vibrant and spicy cabbage dish that's the perfect complement to grilled sausage and shrimp. It's easy to make, customizable to your spice preference, and guaranteed to add a delicious kick to your next meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional additions: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions for a Spicy Cabbage Delight:
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Prep the Veggies: Start by thinly slicing the cabbage and red bell pepper. Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. The thinner you slice the cabbage, the quicker it will cook and absorb the flavors.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
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Add the Cabbage and Bell Pepper: Add the sliced cabbage and bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften.
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Infuse with Flavor: Stir in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook Until Tender-Crisp: Continue to stir-fry the cabbage mixture for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp but still retains a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking, as you want to preserve the vibrant color and texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the wok from the heat and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish alongside your grilled sausage and shrimp.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Protein Options: This spicy cabbage recipe pairs perfectly with grilled sausage and shrimp, but it also complements other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu.
- Make it Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors will actually deepen upon sitting.
This spicy cabbage recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a delightful kick to any meal. Its versatility allows for customization, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
