Fast skillet with soy, ginger, and tender cabbage
Japanese Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Japanese Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Fast skillet with soy, ginger, and tender cabbage
A simple Japanese-style stir-fry of thin pork, cabbage, and ginger that comes together quickly and works especially well over rice.
15m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
27m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Not every useful dinner has to be elaborate. This kind of quick stir-fry shows up often in real kitchens because it is flexible, balanced, and gets dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients
- 12 oz thinly sliced pork
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Wok
Helpful Tool
Why a wok helps here
High-heat cooking gets easier when the pan can move food quickly without steaming it. That is the real advantage for stir-fries like this one.
This recipe benefits most from faster heat response and more tossing room.
- Keeps vegetables and proteins from steaming
- Makes quick sauce reduction easier
A flat-bottom wok is the most useful upgrade if you cook stir-fries more than once in a while.
Shop wok options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Stir-fry the pork in a hot skillet until just cooked and remove it.
- 2
Cook the onion, cabbage, and ginger until the cabbage softens but keeps some bite.
- 3
Return the pork to the pan and add the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- 4
Toss everything together until hot.
- 5
Serve over rice if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
PorkChicken thigh
Chicken keeps the dish lighter but still flavorful
Green cabbageNapa cabbage
Napa cabbage cooks softer and a little sweeter
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Sesame Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the sesame oil matters
A small amount of toasted sesame oil changes the aroma fast. It is one of the easiest ways to make a sauce or dressing taste more complete.
This ingredient adds most of its value in aroma and finish.
- Adds nutty depth with very little effort
- Useful in noodles, dressings, and marinades
Toasted sesame oil is a small bottle that tends to have outsized payoff.
Shop sesame oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Thin pork shoulder or loin works best for speed here.
A little rice vinegar at the end brightens the pan nicely.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving) · 4 servings
Calories260
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein20g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat15g
Fiber3g
Sugar5g
Sodium590mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken?
- Yes. Thinly sliced chicken thigh works especially well.
- Is this good for meal prep?
- Yes, though the cabbage softens a little more after a day or two.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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