Are you looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This fried cabbage and shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes. It's a perfect example of how simple homemade cooking can be both delicious and satisfying. This recipe is packed with nutrients and is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a guilt-free treat for a healthy meal. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this dish comes together – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing the onion and cabbage. Mince the garlic and thinly slice the green onions for garnish. Peel and devein the shrimp if you haven't already. This step significantly speeds up the cooking process.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add the cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the wok and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 5-7 minutes. Don't be afraid to pile it in – it will cook down.
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Stir in the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the wok and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
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Create the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and cabbage mixture. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and the cabbage is tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and serve: Garnish with the sliced green onions and serve immediately. This dish is equally delicious served hot or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will become tough and rubbery. Cook until just pink and opaque.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use different protein: Chicken or pork would also be delicious in this recipe.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Cabbage and Shrimp: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Garlic Lover's Fried Cabbage and Shrimp: Add more garlic! You can even add a tablespoon of garlic-infused olive oil for extra garlicky goodness.
- Lemon Fried Cabbage and Shrimp: Add the juice of half a lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
This Fried Cabbage and Shrimp recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!