This Speedy Cabbage and Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights. It’s packed with colorful vegetables, flavorful spices, and comes together in just 10 minutes for the stir-fry, with rice cooking alongside for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
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Vegetables:
- 800g cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, diced
- 200g mushrooms, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 sweet yellow pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
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Seasonings:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Coriander
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Rice and Water:
- 200g rice, rinsed
- 300ml water
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Freshness:
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients:
- Shred the cabbage.
- Dice the onion, mushrooms, and sweet yellow pepper.
- Mince the garlic.
- Grate the carrot.
- Rinse the rice with water.
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Cook the Stir-Fry:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the grated carrot and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced sweet yellow pepper and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Finally, add the shredded cabbage, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and coriander. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the pan and cook the cabbage mixture for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
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Cook the Rice:
- While the stir-fry cooks, in a separate pot, cook the rinsed rice with 300ml of water according to package instructions. This will take approximately 20 minutes, allowing it to cook alongside the stir-fry.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cabbage is tender-crisp and the rice is cooked, remove the stir-fry from heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness (optional).
- Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and enjoy this quick and flavorful weeknight meal!
Nutritional Benefits:
- This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the colorful vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and peppers. Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C and fiber, while carrots are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) and peppers provide vitamin C.
- Using brown rice instead of white rice adds additional fiber and nutrients to the meal.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables! You can add broccoli florets, snap peas, green beans, or even shredded Brussels sprouts.
- Protein: As mentioned earlier, include cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a more protein-rich meal.
- Sauce Option: For a different flavor profile, you can add a splash of soy sauce, oyster sauce, or teriyaki sauce towards the end of cooking the stir-fry.
- Rice Alternative: If you don’t have rice, you can serve the stir-fry over quinoa, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Cooking Techniques:
- Stir-Frying Basics: When stir-frying, it’s important to cook the vegetables in stages based on their cooking times. Start with harder vegetables like carrots and peppers, then add softer vegetables like mushrooms and cabbage.
- High Heat and Short Cooking: Use high heat for stir-frying to ensure the vegetables cook quickly while maintaining a crisp texture. Avoid overcooking them, as they will become mushy.
Tips:
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- Spice it Up!: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a teaspoon of soy sauce for a savory note.
- Protein Addition: For a more substantial meal, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh to the stir-fry along with the vegetables.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts:
This Speedy Cabbage and Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice is a delicious, healthy, and time-saving recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and enjoy a satisfying meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. So try it out and see how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dish!