Save This High-Volume Cabbage and Turkey Stir-Fry is a perfect weeknight solution when you want something healthy yet satisfying. The combination of lean ground turkey and mountains of shredded cabbage creates a dish that fills your plate—and your stomach—without weighing you down. The Asian-inspired flavors bring warmth and depth to simple ingredients, transforming everyday vegetables into something special.
Save What makes this stir-fry special is its incredible volume-to-calorie ratio. By using an entire head of cabbage that wilts down during cooking, you get a huge portion that satisfies both visually and physically. The gentle crunch of vegetables against the savory turkey creates a textural experience that keeps every bite interesting.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) lean ground turkey
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 800 g / 1.75 lbs)
- 2 large carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Extra sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil.
- Step 2
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
- Step 5
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Toss well to combine.
- Step 6
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat, stir in green onions, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions.
- Step 8
- Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Don't overcook the vegetables—the goal is to maintain some crispness for textural contrast. If you're using a smaller pan, consider cooking the vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than stir-frying. For best results, have all ingredients prepped before you begin cooking, as the process moves quickly once you start.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile stir-fry adapts well to what you have on hand. Ground chicken works beautifully as an alternative to turkey. For a plant-based version, crumbled firm tofu or tempeh makes an excellent substitute—just be sure to press the tofu well before cooking. You can also vary the vegetables based on seasonality—snow peas, mushrooms, or bok choy would all be delicious additions.
Serviervorschläge
While this dish is complete on its own, you can serve it over cauliflower rice to maintain the low-carb profile or with brown rice if you need additional energy for an active lifestyle. A side of kimchi adds probiotic benefits and a tangy contrast to the savory flavors. For a dinner party presentation, serve family-style in a large bowl with small dishes of additional garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, and sriracha for guests to customize.
Save This High-Volume Cabbage and Turkey Stir-Fry has become a staple for many health-conscious home cooks because it proves that nutritious eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or feeling hungry. With just 230 calories per generous serving and 28g of protein, it's an ideal option for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal while supporting their wellness goals. The next time you're craving something comforting yet light, let this colorful, veggie-packed dish bring both nourishment and pleasure to your table.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
Shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced bell pepper, and green onions provide a crisp and colorful mix that balances texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute turkey with other proteins?
Yes, lean ground chicken, tofu, or tempeh are excellent alternatives that maintain a healthy protein profile.
- → How do the sauces enhance this dish?
Low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil create a savory and tangy base, while ginger and garlic add aromatic depth.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes the stir-fry safe for gluten-free preferences.
- → What cooking techniques ensure the best texture?
Quick stir-frying over high heat allows vegetables to stay tender-crisp while the turkey cooks evenly for a flavorful, balanced dish.