Gluten Free Napa Cabbage Stir-Fry

Total time25 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time10 min

4.8

(6)

This vibrant stir-fry is the kind of weeknight dinner that comes together fast but tastes like you actually tried. Tender napa cabbage and julienned carrots get tossed over high heat until they pick up those irresistible lightly caramelized edges, then everything gets coated in a glossy sauce built from tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The key swap that makes this work without gluten is tamari in place of conventional soy sauce — it delivers the same deep, savory punch with none of the wheat. A small amount of cornstarch whisked right into the sauce thickens it beautifully as it hits the hot pan, so every piece of cabbage gets properly coated rather than just steamed and soggy. Fresh ginger and garlic go in at just the right moment to bloom without burning, and the reserved scallion greens scattered on top at the end keep things bright and fresh. It serves four and comes together in well under 30 minutes, making it an easy go-to when you want something satisfying that doesn't require reading every label in your pantry.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the sauce

3 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp red pepper flakes

For the stir-fry

2 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado or canola oil), divided
1 small napa cabbage (about 2 lb), cored and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned or thinly sliced on the diagonal
4 scallions, white and light green parts thinly sliced, dark green tops reserved for garnish
1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced

For serving

1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
reserved scallion greens, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar, and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
2
Heat a large wok or 12-inch skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates on contact. Add 1 tbsp of the neutral oil and swirl to coat.

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