Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a classic home-style Chinese dish known for its tender pork slices, crisp cabbage, and savory sauce. This quick stir-fry balances mild sweetness from cabbage with a rich, umami-packed soy-based sauce. It’s a staple in many Chinese households because it’s budget-friendly, fast to cook, and incredibly satisfying with a bowl of steamed rice.

📝 Recipe Information

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes

🍽 Servings: 3–4

🥢 Cuisine: Chinese Home-Style

🧂 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Pork belly or pork shoulder (thinly sliced) – 400 g

Green cabbage (or Napa cabbage) – ½ head (chopped into bite-size pieces)

Garlic – 4 cloves (minced)

Ginger – 1 tbsp (minced)

Spring onions – 2 stalks (cut into 2-inch pieces)

Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp

Sauce Ingredients:

Light soy sauce – 2 tbsp

Dark soy sauce – 1 tsp

Shaoxing rice wine – 1 tbsp

Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp

Sugar – ½ tsp

White pepper – a pinch

Cornstarch slurry – 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water


Optional:

Dried red chilies – 2–3 (for mild heat)

Toasted sesame oil – ½ tsp (for aroma)

🥢 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Freeze pork slightly for 20–30 minutes to make thin slicing easier.

Cut the pork into thin strips or slices.

Marinate briefly with 1 tbsp soy sauce and a pinch of cornstarch (optional for extra tenderness).

👉 Tip: Pork belly gives a richer flavor, but leaner cuts like shoulder work great too.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Pork

Heat a wok over medium-high heat.

Add the pork slices (no oil needed if using pork belly). Stir-fry until lightly browned and fat is rendered.

Push pork to one side of the wok. Add a little vegetable oil if needed.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Optional: add dried red chilies for a mild spicy kick.

Step 4: Add Cabbage

Increase the heat to high.

Add chopped cabbage and toss everything together.

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.

👉 Tip: Don’t overcook the cabbage — it should stay slightly crisp.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.

Stir everything well so the sauce evenly coats the pork and cabbage.

Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle spring onions and drizzle sesame oil. Toss well.

Serve hot with steamed white rice.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair with jasmine rice or egg fried rice for a complete meal.

Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.

You can also add thin carrot strips, mushrooms, or tofu for variation.

🌿 Pro Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry

Slice pork thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Use a very hot wok to sear the pork quickly without drying it out.

Add cabbage towards the end so it remains crisp.

Balance sauce flavors — adjust soy sauce and sugar based on the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Quick and easy — done in 20 minutes.

Comforting, homestyle flavors with a savory aroma.

Budget-friendly and versatile.

Great balance of tender meat and crunchy vegetables.

✨ Pork and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect weekday meal — simple, delicious, and packed with flavor. One bowl of rice, a hot wok, and this dish will win your heart every time!