Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry with Sesame Lime Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry with Sesame Lime Dressing

Zesty, sweet, and a little nutty, this Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry is a flavor-packed adventure in one pan! Tossed with a tangy sesame lime dressing, it’s a quick, vibrant dish that’ll make your taste buds dance. Let’s stir things up and get cooking—ready to dive in?

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Have you ever had one of those days where you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and easy to whip up without sacrificing flavor? Well, let me introduce you to my Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry with Sesame Lime Dressing! This dish is like a party in a pan, where crispy cabbage meets sweet-tart apples, and the whole thing gets a zesty hug from a nutty sesame lime dressing. I mean, who knew vegetables and fruit could be such a power couple? It’s a recipe inspired by flavors I’ve loved in Southeast Asia—bright, bold, and deeply satisfying. And the best part? It’s ready in no time, leaving you with a colorful dish that feels special on weeknights but fancy enough for guests.

Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry with Sesame Lime Dressing Recipe

What makes this stir fry truly shine is the unexpected combination of textures and flavors. The cabbage gets this delightful char that’s slightly smoky, while the apples retain their juicy sweetness, making each bite a little journey. Spices like ground cumin and paprika give it a warm, earthy base, balanced perfectly by the zing of lime in the sesame dressing. Ah, and let’s talk about that dressing! It’s so simple—lime juice, toasted sesame oil, a touch of soy sauce, and a hint of honey—but it ties everything together better than a bow on a birthday gift. Oh, and don’t skip the sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and those extra nutty notes. Trust me, this recipe dances somewhere between comfort food and culinary adventure.

So, are you ready to let your skillet take center stage? This Spiced Cabbage and Apple Stir Fry is super adaptable. Add some tofu or shrimp if you’re feeling extra fancy, or toss in a handful of roasted peanuts for a little added protein and crunch. You can serve it over fluffy basmati rice or even stuff it into wraps for a fun twist! Whatever you do, don’t forget to have fun with it—this isn’t just cooking; it’s connecting with bold flavors and giving your taste buds something to cheer about. Let the stir frying begin, and tag me when you try this—I’d love to see your creations!

Keywords: spiced cabbage stir fry recipe, apple cabbage dinner idea, sesame lime dressing stir fry, unique stir fry ideas, vegetarian cabbage stir fry, Southeast Asian-inspired stir fry, quick veggie stir fry recipe.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Fusion

Ingredients

  • 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage and apples, and set them aside. Chop the green onions and mince the garlic.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt to create the sesame lime dressing. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add the ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and chili flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

  5. 5

    Toss the sliced cabbage into the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and develop a slight char.

  6. 6

    Add the sliced apples to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through but retain their crispness.

  7. 7

    Pour the sesame lime dressing over the cabbage and apples, tossing everything to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

  8. 8

    Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. Adjust salt to taste before serving.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately as a main dish or side, optionally paired with rice, wraps, or your choice of protein.

Nutrition Information

Calories

180 calories

Protein

3g

Carbs

20g

Fat

10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cabbage in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can substitute the small head of cabbage with other types such as red cabbage, Napa cabbage, or savoy cabbage. Keep in mind that red cabbage will add a slightly different color and may take a bit longer to cook, while Napa cabbage will cook faster due to its tender leaves.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for apples?

A: If you don’t have apples, you can use other fruits like pears, thinly sliced firm peaches, or even julienned carrots for a similar sweetness and crunch. Adjust cooking times slightly depending on the fruit or vegetable you choose.

Q: Can I make this recipe without sesame oil or sesame seeds?

A: Yes, if you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or another neutral oil and add a small splash of toasted sesame seeds or tahini if available to maintain some sesame flavor. If sesame seeds are unavailable, simply omit them or replace them with chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for added texture.

Q: How can I make this dish spicier?

A: To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce or freshly chopped chili peppers. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper while sautéing the spices for an extra kick.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cabbage soggy.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance. However, for the best texture, keep the sesame lime dressing separate and toss it with the stir-fry just before reheating and serving. This prevents the cabbage and apples from becoming overly soft.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for this recipe?

A: This stir-fry can be served as a side dish or main course. Pair it with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a filling for wraps or tacos or top it with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for added protein.

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