Skip to Content

SPICY CABBAGE STIR-FRY(5 ingredients)

A cabbage stir-fry that is so easy to make with just 5 main ingredients

You’ll want to try this cabbage recipe.

This Sri Lankan, vegetarian cabbage recipe also known as “gova thel dala”(cabbage fried in oil)takes less than 20 minutes to cook.

Why?

Because as many have found out(reader’s comments below), there are so many ways you can adapt this spicy cabbage stir-fry.

So make sure to grab one of these leafy vegetables when you spot them at the farmer’s market.

A popular low-carb, vegetarian side dish.

  • A white cabbage recipe for all diets, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
  • If you are looking for an easy, 20-minute cooking time, side dish then I hope you give this cabbage skillet stir-fry a try.
  • It’s one of those vegetarian recipes that need the least amount of effort to create.
  • This is one reason why my Sri Lankan cabbage fry(gova thel dala) recipe is one of the most popular recipes on the blog.
  • With a few easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a cabbage-themed side that can complement any meal.
cabbage stir fried mixing with a wooden spoon.

Use the search bar to come up with more options on the blog to serve with this cabbage stir fry.

cabbage stir fried cooked in a pan with a wooden spoon
  • Hi! Can I use curry powder instead of curry leaves? If so how much do you recommend I use?

My answer.

I would suggest NOT to use the curry powder as the taste would completely change.

You can make it without the curry leaves. try using herbs that you already have if you are not able to find the curry leaves.

  • Can you substitute dried curry instead of curry leaves?

My answer

If you are substituting with curry leaf powder then yes, not curry powder.

If you are unable to find curry leaves simply substitute them with 1-2 Bay leaves.

Here are a few ideas from readers who put their own spin on this cabbage recipe.

Original comments here.

  • Added this to my usual tofu stir-fry, and it worked perfectly.
  • loved this basic recipe, but I added so much! Green peas, shredded carrot, Gardein Teriyaki “Chicken” strips, White onion, and mushrooms!
  • Used the leftovers to make scrambled eggs and that was so good!
  • I added peas and carrots as well and served over some cauliflower rice! I added curry powder instead and some extra turmeric! Great dish!
  • I decided to add a side of shrimp and rice with the same seasoning ingredients as the cabbage and it was the ultimate.
  • Added veggie meatballs, and 1 tablespoon of butter.
  • I added carrots more chilli and more turmeric 💜💜 a MUST try.
  • Keto recipe.
  • I added peri peri chicken and Mexican rice..absolutely gorgeous!
  • added it to a Mexican breakfast and it didn’t miss a beat. 🙂 Yum
cabbage stir fry cooked in a frying pan

As you can see, this recipe is simple yet so versatile and the best part is you can do this in a skillet like this or a frying pan.

Cabbage curry with coconut milk.

Cabbage coconut stir-fry.

Homemade cabbage and beef stew.

Spicy green peas stir-fry.

Sri Lankan okra stir-fry

Sri Lankan spicy carrot stir-fry

Sri Lankan beetroot stir-fry curry.

Store and refrigerate in tight-lid containers, since the recipe has turmeric, any plastic container may stain, use a glass container with a lid to avoid this.
Use within 2 days.

Place in a microwavable dish with 1/2 a teaspoon of water and microwave for 1-2 minutes. follow the same instructions to reheat over the stovetop.

You might have to add a little extra salt to bring back all the flavours.

avoid freezing.

Any extra cabbage can be added to make fried rice with leftover rice, added onto your breakfast omelette or sausages, or scrambled eggs.

RECIPE DIFFICULTY – EASY

Watch the short video guide above to help you make the cabbage stir-fry.

Half a head of Cabbage

2-3 tablespoons of Oil

1-2 garlic pods sliced

1 large onion sliced fine

A sprig of curry leaves(substitute with a bay leaf)

1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric powder

1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes

1/2 a lime

Slice the cabbage, onion, garlic, and set aside.

Ingredients for the cabbage fry.

Place the pan over a low fire(preferably a non-stick pan.

Sauté the cabbage until they wilt and there is no moisture left in the pan.

Once the moisture from the cabbage has evaporated, maintain a low fire and pour in the oil(2 tbsps).

Add the sliced onions, curry leaves, garlic with turmeric powder(1/2 tsp), and salt to taste.

cooking the cabbage fry with onions and curry leaves.

Cook for at least five minutes until you see the cabbage edges slightly burn.

Take the pan off the stove and with the remaining heat.

Add the chilli flecks(1/2-1)tsp and mix it into the cabbage stir-fry.

Cabbage fry cooking in a pan.

Taste and season with salt if necessary.

To further enhance the taste, drizzle a bit of lime juice and mix.

Serve warm over rice or your preferred main dish. 

Try out some of the reader suggestions above to give variety to this spicy cabbage stir fry recipe.

cabbage stir fry scooped with a wooden spoon

JOIN ME ON ISLANDSMILE YOUTUBE CHANNEL

VISIT THE SEAFOOD BLOG.

spicy cabbage fry.gluten-free, vegetarian and a less than 20-minute dish to prepare, you’ll want to try a Spicy chilli Cabbage stir-fry next time you spot this vegetable at the farmers market. #recipe #food #cooking #vegan #vegetarian #skillet #20minutes #lowcarb #glutenfree #srilankan #healthy

Spicy chilli Cabbage stir-fry(Sri Lankan).

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

A Sri Lankan, vegetarian dish that takes less than 20-minute prepare.

You’ll want to try a Spicy chilli Cabbage stir-fry next time you spot this vegetable at the farmers market.

Instructions

Watch the short video guide above to help you make the cabbage stir-fry.


Slice the cabbage, onion, garlic and set aside.

Place pan over a low fire(preferably a non-stick pan.

Sauté the cabbage until they wilt and there is no moisture left in the pan.

Once the moisture from the cabbage has evaporated, maintain a low fire and pour in the oil(2tbsp).

Add the sliced onions, curry leaves, garlic with turmeric powder(1/2 tsp) and salt to taste.

Cook for at least five minutes until you see the cabbage edges slightly burn.

Take the pan off the stove and with the remaining heat, add the chilli flecks(1/2-1)tsp and mix it into the cabbage stir-fry.

Taste and season with salt if necessary.

To further enhance the taste, drizzle a bit of lime juice and mix.

Serve warm over rice or your preferred main dish. 

Try out some of the reader suggestions above to give variety to this easy cabbage recipe.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate, I earn a percentage from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 639Total Fat: 53gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 46gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 29g

Nutritional information on islandsmile is provided as a courtesy. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Each recipe on this blog has been written with great care and love towards any reader who wants to try them. It’s free and on the blog, for you to try anytime.

All I ask is that you do not save it on any apps, recipe boxes, or online groups which will affect me as a food blogger and the growth of this blog.

 I would appreciate it if you only share the link rather than the full recipe. 

All images and text on this website are protected by copyright.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hesala H.

Friday 11th of September 2020

Hi Jehan, I made this cabbage stir fry. Taste good. I messed up. Next time i will try according to your timing. Thank you so much xx

jehan

Saturday 12th of September 2020

Hi Hesala, I'm assuming you might have stir-fried the cabbage a little too long? If that's the case, just add 1/4 cut thick coconut milk to make a cabbage coconut milk curry. Regards, J

Janina

Monday 4th of June 2018

This is delicious! Thank you for the recipe.

Nauni Jen

Saturday 17th of March 2018

Oops, but it was DEFINITELY DELICIOUS I didn’t read the comments before I did this. I added 1 teaspoon of curry powder and after it was done cooking I added a big tablespoon of chunky peanut butter in with lemon juice. It was DELICIOUS! I didn’t have lime or curry leaves thank u for sharing this

jehan

Saturday 17th of March 2018

Hi Nauni, glad you found the recipe tasty, it's such a simple recipe but highly customizable to individual preferences. and thank you for the rating, not everyone spends a few seconds rating it. I need to try your version, I think my kids will love it.

JoAnne

Monday 18th of September 2017

can you substitute dried curry instead of curry leaves?

jehan

Monday 18th of September 2017

Hi JoAnne, if you are substituting with curry leaf powder then yes, not curry powder. If you are unable to find curry leaves simply substitute it with 1-2 Bay leaves.

Christina

Tuesday 20th of June 2017

Can you use the red cabbage or does that change everything? I don't do a lot with cabbage, so I don't know about the difference.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe