Vegetarian Fried Cabbage Recipe (Pad Galam Plee)
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Vegetarian fried cabbage recipe, or pad galam plee in Thai, is perfect for a gluten-free main or a low-carb side dish full of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and ready in just 20 minutes with vegan tofu and simple ingredients.
Make sure to try my other Thai cabbage stir-fry recipe, which is equally delicious!
What is pad galam plee
Pad galam, a traditional Thai cabbage stir-fry, is a simple vegetable dish made with crispy fried cabbage, garlic, and seasonings. It’s a staple in Thai kitchens and a popular side-dish with other Thai food.
- Pad: Pad translates to “fried” in Thai, the cooking method used in this dish.
- Galam plee: Cabbage in Thai is “galam plee”, the primary ingredient in this stir-fry.
Vegetarian fried cabbage
This crispy pan-fried cabbage is deliciously salty and savory, with a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
You can easily customize it with your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Toss in your favorites like onion, bell pepers, broccoli, you name it!
Spice it up or keep it mild, it’s all good.
It’s low-carb, and you can totally enjoy it guilt-free. Go easy on the oil, and you’ll turn it into a healthier dish that’s perfect for anyone on a diet.
In Thailand, it’s typically served as a side dish with other Thai food. Adults love it, and kids do too! It’s that kind of food that anyone likes, a total crowd-pleaser.
Why try this vegan cabbage recipe
- It’s incredibly simple to make: This Asian sautéed cabbage is easy and fuss-free, the perfect dish for busy weeknights and any home cook.
- Cabbage is healthy: Cabbage is full of vitamins and minerals, it’s high in fiber and antioxidants.
- Budget-friendly: Cabbage is cheap, and you probably have all the other ingredients in your kitchen pantry right now.
- Kid-approved: My little niece and nephew gave a thumbs up. It’s a good way to get the little ones to eat some vegetables.
- Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a light main or a versatile side, this cabbage stir-fry fits into any occasion and meal plan.
Best cabbage for stir-fry
Green cabbage is an excellent choice for stir-fry. Its crisp texture makes it ideal for quick cooking methods like stir-frying. Green cabbage holds up well under heat and absorbs sauces beautifully, for a satisfying crunch full of stir-fry sauce.
- Savoy cabbage: Preferred for its ruffled, tender leaves and mild taste.
- Napa cabbage: Often used in Asian cuisine. Has a mild flavor and tender texture.
- Red cabbage: Brings a unique flavor with a firm texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients can be sourced at Asian grocery stores and Asian markets.
The exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Cabbage: I used green cabbage, but feel free to customize. If you’re looking for a softer texture, try nappa cabbage – it adds a gentle sweetness to this vegan fried cabbage recipe.
- Tofu: The perfect vegan choice. Protein-rich and it soaks up the flavors like a sponge.
- Palm sugar: Palm sugar adds an authentic Thai caramel-like sweetness to the recipe. It balances out the savory and salty flavors.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds the essential deep, rich saltiness to the sauce, coating every piece of fried cabbage with a layer of flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves, avoid using garlic powder. Fresh garlic cloves are the base of most Thai stir-fry dishes, adding fragrance and a pungent note.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil with high smoke-point, like vegetable oil or canola oil.
How to stir-fry cabbage
medium heat
1. Stir-fry sauce prep: Mix palm sugar with soy sauce until palm sugar dissolves.
2. Fry tofu: Heat oil in your wok and sizzle the tofu until they’re golden with a crunchy exterior.
3. Fry cabbage & garlic: Remove tofu from the pan and toss in garlic and cabbage. Toss them on high heat until they achieve a beautifully charred appearance.
4. Sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce you prepared earlier over the charred cabbage and thoroughly mix.
5. Finish and serve: Bring back the crispy tofu and gently mix with the sauced-up cabbage. Serve immediately.
After trying this, try some of my favorite easy side-dish recipes: Thai ground beef lettuce wraps recipe and pad mee, a foolproof rice vermicelli noodles stir-fry.
Kitchen tools
Here is a list of items you’ll need:
- Cast iron skillet or wok with spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to serve
After cooking, serve immediately for the best flavors and crispiest texture.
This easy stir-fry cabbage recipe can be enhanced with garnishes and toppings:
- Toppings: Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper or even Thai chili flakes (pepper flakes) for those who love a bit of heat. Top with crispy fried garlic for a crunchy garlicky note.
- Garnishes: Freshly chopped green onions.
What goes with fried cabbage
- Fried rice: Pair with a portion of vegetarian Thai fried rice.
- Proteins: tofu, tempeh, or if you’re not strictly vegetarian, grilled fish or chicken.
- Noodles: Add a side of vegetarian noodles.
- Salad: Cabbage stir-fry goes great with any kind of spicy salad.
- Curry: This vegetarian Thai green curry is filled with healthy vegetables and fills you up good.
Here is another Thai vegetables stir-fry you’ll love.
How to store and reheat
Let your fried cabbage cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For the best texture, consume the next day.
Reheating instructions: Reheat in a pan over medium heat until it’s warmed through.
Frequently asked questions
Is fried cabbage good for you?
Fried cabbage can be good for you, cabbage is nutrient-rich, low-carb, and full of antioxidants. However, it’s important to consider how the cabbage is prepared. For the healthiest version, go easy on the oil and include other nutritious ingredients.
Can I add meat?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite proteins like bacon, seafood, chicken, and beef.
How to store cabbage?
Simply wrap it in plastic wrap, in a large plastic bag, or in an airtight container and store in your crisper.
More Thai vegetable stir-fry recipes you’ll love
- Gai pad nor mai (Thai bamboo shoots stir-fry)
- Pad priew wan (sweet and sour chicken)
- Pad pak boong (morning glory stir-fry)
- Thai spicy eggplant recipe
- Cucumber and egg recipe
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Vegetarian Fried Cabbage Recipe (Pad Galam Plee)
Ingredients
- 10 ounces green cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp palm sugar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/3 cup extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Mix palm sugar with soy sauce until palm sugar dissolves.
- Heat oil in your wok and sizzle the tofu until they’re golden with a crunchy exterior.
- Remove tofu from the pan and toss in garlic and cabbage. Toss them on high heat until they achieve a beautifully charred appearance.
- Pour the stir-fry sauce you prepared earlier over the charred cabbage and thoroughly mix.
- Bring back the crispy tofu and gently mix with the sauced-up cabbage. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
