Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ginger is a vibrant, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying dish that celebrates simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Stir-fries have long been a staple in Asian home cooking because they come together quickly while highlighting fresh ingredients and bold seasonings. This dish combines thinly sliced pork, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant ginger to create a savory, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting meal.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: the sweetness of cabbage, the richness of pork, and the fiery brightness of ginger work harmoniously. It’s a dish that feels nourishing yet light, making it perfect for weeknight meals when you want something wholesome but fast.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it showcases how simple ingredients can transform into an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish with minimal effort. The ginger adds warmth and freshness, while the pork delivers richness and depth. The cabbage, which softens but retains a slight crunch, gives the dish body and ensures it never feels heavy.

Another reason I appreciate this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the heat, swap vegetables, or use different cuts of pork without affecting the essence of the dish. It’s dependable, quick, and consistently delicious, making it one of those go-to meals you return to often.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it perfectly embodies the idea of fast yet flavorful cooking. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and even less time to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Despite its simplicity, it bursts with restaurant-quality flavor thanks to the combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and tender pork.

It’s also budget-friendly, nutritious, and adaptable. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or a seasoned cook, this recipe offers foolproof results every time.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 lb pork tenderloin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for sauce thickening)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sliced red chili (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Thinly slice the pork and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare vegetables: shred cabbage, slice onion, julienne carrot, and mince ginger and garlic.
3. Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using) in a bowl.
4. Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
5. Add pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
6. Add ginger, garlic, and onions to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant.
7. Add cabbage and carrots, cooking until slightly tender but still crisp.
8. Return pork to the wok and pour in the sauce mixture.
9. Toss well until vegetables and meat are coated and sauce thickens slightly.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Slice the Pork: Cut the pork into thin strips for quick cooking. Season lightly.
2. Prep Vegetables: Shred cabbage, julienne carrots, and mince ginger and garlic.
3. Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
4. Heat the Wok: Add vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
5. Cook the Pork: Stir-fry until browned and cooked through; remove.
6. Sauté Aromatics: Add ginger, garlic, and onion; cook until fragrant.
7. Add Vegetables: Stir-fry cabbage and carrots until tender-crisp.
8. Combine All: Add pork back into the wok and pour sauce over.
9. Final Toss: Mix everything well and cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy.
10. Serve Hot: Transfer to plates and garnish if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this stir-fry immediately while hot. It pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can garnish it with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for added depth.

Recipe Tips

• Slice pork thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Use a very hot wok to achieve a good stir-fry sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok; cook pork in batches if needed.
• Add chili oil or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
• Keep vegetables crisp by cooking them only until slightly softened.
• If cabbage releases too much liquid, increase heat to evaporate excess moisture.

Variations

• Spicy Pork Stir-Fry: Add sambal oelek or Korean gochujang for heat.
• Pork and Bok Choy Stir-Fry: Swap cabbage for chopped bok choy.
• Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry: Add shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace carrots with bell peppers or zucchini.
• Teriyaki-Style: Replace sauce with teriyaki sauce and add pineapple chunks.
• Ground Pork Version: Substitute sliced pork with ground pork for quicker cooking.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Sharp knife for thin slicing
• Cutting board
• Heat-proof spatula
• Mixing bowls

FAQ

Can I use ground pork?
Yes, ground pork works perfectly and cooks even faster.

Can I replace pork with chicken or beef?
Absolutely. Both chicken breasts/thighs and thin-sliced beef are great substitutes.

Why is my stir-fry watery?
Too much moisture from vegetables or not enough heat. Increase heat and avoid overcrowding the wok.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace pork with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to maintain high heat and proper browning.

Conclusion

Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ginger is a flavorful, aromatic, and incredibly quick meal that delivers comfort and nourishment in every bite. Its simple ingredients, fast cooking process, and bold flavors make it a must-have in your weeknight rotation. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a budget-friendly option, or an adaptable stir-fry to customize, this recipe offers everything you need. Enjoy it fresh, meal-prepped, or frozen—it remains delicious every time.