Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn

I feel like cabbage is one of the most underrated vegetables! It's inexpensive, versatile, and absolutely delicious when stir fried. At my house, I usually cook it Chinese-style - one common way is with dried shrimp, but this Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn is another favorite. The cabbage turns tender and sweet, while the peppercorns add a unique numbing, citrusy kick.

Types of Cabbage to Use

For this dish, we prefer Taiwanese flat cabbage. This variety has a large, round, flat head and is sweeter and more tender than regular green cabbage - which makes it especially popular in Asian cooking.

👉 Can't find Taiwanese cabbage? Use regular green cabbage instead. Just note: it takes a little longer to cook to the same level of tenderness.

P.S. If you're curious about other vegetables used in Chinese cooking, check out my guide: Different Types of Chinese Vegetables

Hand-Torn Cabbage vs. Knife-Cut

Traditionally, the cabbage is actually hand torn in this dish, instead of cut by a knife. However, I will say that the Taiwanese / flat cabbage is more tender and is more suitable to be hand torn. If you bought regular green cabbage, you may just want to use a knife.

Hand Torn Style

If you are doing it traditionally and hand tearing the cabbage, you will want to slice the cabbage in half, and cut off the stem part. Then using your hands just tear the leaves in to smaller pieces - they do not have to be exactly the same size, but about the same size is recommended.

It does make it prettier IMO, and when you hand tear it the pieces of cabbage don't stick together as much.

Cut by Knife

If you choose to cut by knife, you will cut the cabbage in half and then remove the stem area. Then using a knife start cutting horizontally and then vertically - creating smaller pieces that are about the same size.

Sichuan Peppercorn

Sichuan pepper, also known as Szechuan pepper, Szechwan pepper, or mala pepper, is a spice commonly used in the Sichuan cuisine. It is interesting because it will add a 'numbing' factor in to the food. It may come as a surprise if you've never had it before.

You can find them in your local Chinese supermarket or even online such as Amazon!

How to make Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn (Step by Step)

First gather your ingredients:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (we prefer Taiwanese cabbage), cut or torn in to smaller pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt, to taste

Heat oil in wok or cooking pan on medium high heat. Add Sichuan peppercorn in to pan and allow it to heat up - it will start becoming fragrant.

Add cabbage, and using a spatula, stirring occasionally so that all the parts of the cabbage gets cooked evenly.

Add in soy sauce and salt, and continue to stir fry until cabbage is tender.

Remove from heat and serve!

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Not recommended for freezing - the texture of cabbage becomes too soft after thawing.

Reheating:

• Stovetop (best): Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if it looks too dry.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-40 second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular green cabbage instead of Taiwanese cabbage?
Yes! It will just take a bit longer to cook compared to Taiwanese flat cabbage. Adjust cooking time depending on how tender you like your veggies.

Do I have to hand tear the cabbage?
No - hand tearing is traditional and prevents leaves from sticking together, but chopping with a knife works just as well.

What do Sichuan peppercorns taste like?
They add a unique citrusy flavor and a "numbing" tingle on the tongue. This is the signature mala taste of Sichuan cuisine.

What can I serve this with?
It's great as a side dish with steamed rice and pairs well with other stir fries, dumplings and wontons, or a simple Chinese soup.

Continue to Content

Stir Fry Cabbage with Sichuan Peppercorn

Yield: 4 servings

A quick and flavorful veggie stir fry made with tender cabbage, fragrant Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and a touch of salt. Simple, healthy, and the perfect side dish for any Chinese meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (we prefer Taiwanese cabbage), cut or torn in to smaller pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add Sichuan peppercorns and stir until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
3. Add cabbage pieces. Stir fry, tossing occasionally, so the leaves cook evenly.
4. Add soy sauce and salt. Continue stir frying until cabbage is tender but still crisp.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately with rice or as a side dish.

Notes

• Cabbage type: Taiwanese flat cabbage is sweeter and more tender, but green cabbage works too (just increase cook time slightly).
• Hand torn vs. cut: Hand tearing gives the dish a rustic look and helps prevent leaves from sticking together.
• Spice level: Use more or fewer Sichuan peppercorns depending on how numbing/spicy you like it.
• Serving ideas: Perfect alongside dumplings, noodles, or other stir-fry dishes.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Soeos Sichuan Peppercorns, 4 Ounce(113g), Authentic Szechuan Red Peppercorn, Numbing and Tingle Effect, Less Seeds, Strong Flavor, Essential for Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken and Asine Cusine
• 
  Cooks Standard Stainless Steel Stir Fry Pan with Dome Lid 13-Inch Multi-Ply Clad Wok, Silver
• 
  The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt - Coarse 2.2 Lb / 1 Kilo - Pink Himalayan Salt is Nutrient and Mineral Dense for Health - Gourmet Pure Crystal - Kosher & Natural Certified
• 
  ZOE Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 Liter Tin (Pack Of 2)
• 
  Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 68Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 366mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.

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More Delicious Cabbage Recipes to Try

• Shrimp Cabbage Stir Fry
  Marinated shrimp stir fried with cabbage in a savory sauce. Easy to make and perfect served family-style or over rice.
• Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
  Tender chicken stir fried with garlic, ginger, shiitake mushrooms, and cabbage in a flavorful sauce.
• Pork Belly Cabbage Stir Fry
  Quick, easy, and tasty! Crisp cabbage tossed with marinated pork belly in just 20 minutes.
• Cabbage Stir Fry with Dried Shrimp
  A traditional Chinese-style stir fry made with cabbage and dried shrimp - simple, quick, and full of umami flavor.

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