stir-fried cabbage with bacon

How to Stir-Fry Cabbage with Chinese Bacon: A Simple Guide

Stir-frying cabbage with Chinese bacon (la rou) is a classic, flavorful dish that balances smoky, savory notes with fresh, crisp greens. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering it.

Ingredients: 200g Chinese bacon (chopped into thin slices), 300g cabbage (cored and torn into bite-sized pieces), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of white pepper.

Instructions:

1. Prep the bacon: Pan-fry the chopped bacon over medium-low heat until crispy and the fat renders out (about 3-4 minutes). Remove excess oil, leaving 1 tbsp in the wok.

2. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic to the wok, stir-fry until fragrant (10-20 seconds).

3. Cook the cabbage: Toss in the cabbage, stirring constantly until it wilts slightly (2-3 minutes). Return the bacon to the wok.

4. Season: Drizzle with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1 more minute until the cabbage is tender-crisp.

Serving Tip: For extra color, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or sliced red peppers. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice and highlights the harmony of rich, salty flavors and fresh crunch. Enjoy!