Sesame Braised Cabbage

This Sesame Braised Cabbage is the only Asian cabbage recipe you need in your life. So addictive you will eat the whole head. Cabbage is a humble, underrated vegetable that needs to be in the spotlight. It takes on every flavor imaginable and goes well with butter. The best part is its health benefits. It is healthy and very low on calories.

Braising cabbage will ensure its tender inside and crispy on the outside.

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Ingredients and Substitutions

Cabbage - you can use red cabbage or even savoy cabbage.

Butter - cabbage and butter goes hand in hand. However, feel free to omit it if you don't want to add it. The flavor will be altered a bit without butter.

Sesame oil - This flavor gives it a ton of flavor. I like to use Toasted Sesame oil if I am feeling fancy.

Oyster Sauce - The umami in this dish is the oyster sauce.

Soy Sauce - Tamari or coconut aminos should work

Sambal or Chili Oil - Any chili oil would be great in it

Honey - Sweetener to balance all the flavor.

Equipment

Cast Iron pan with a lid
Medium size bowl for the sauce
Measuring tools
Air fryer

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
Combine the sauce ingredients.
Cut the cabbage into quarters. Leave the core. The core will keep it from falling apart.
Place the quartered cabbage in the air fryer, and spray both sides with oil.
Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pour half of the sauce on top. Flip again and pour the remaining sauce.
Serve and enjoy!

braised cabbage ingredients — make your sauce

instant pot air fryer vortex — make your sauce

Pan Fry Instructions

Add avocado oil and butter to a cast iron pan with a lid on medium-high heat.
Add the cabbage and fry it until the edges are crispy. Salt and pepper during this time. 5 minutes.
Once all sides are crispy, add a little water to create steam to cook through the cabbage.
Cover with a lid and braise for 10 minutes.
Make your sauce. In a bowl, combine the sesame sauce ingredients.
Check the cabbage with a knife if the middle is tender. If not, add 5 more minutes of cooking.
When the cabbage is ready, pour the sauce all over and saute until the sauce has been incorporated well inside the cabbage.
Serve and enjoy!

cabbage and asian sesame sauce — make the sauce

pan fry asian braised cabbage — make the sauce

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store your leftover Sesame Braised Cabbage in an airtight container.

Reheat in a microwave, a skillet, or, my favorite, the air fryer for a little extra crispiness and texture.

Asian Cabbage - FAQs

Is cabbage good for you?

Cabbage is incredibly healthy for you. It is low in calories and is vegetable-rich, so you will stay full longer.

How do you cut cabbage?

Cabbage is a very versatile vegetable. When braising and wanting to keep its shape, cut it in wedges, do not cut the core out - this will keep everything intact.

What to serve with Sesame Asian Cabbage

Here are a few options that will be perfect for this dish.

Carmen Spillette