
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)

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
Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage and apples, and set them aside. Chop the green onions and mince the garlic.
- 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
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
Add the ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and chili flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- 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
Add the sliced apples to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through but retain their crispness.
- 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
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the dish. Adjust salt to taste before serving.
- 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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