Looking for a quick, healthy dinner idea thatโs packed with flavor and easy to prepare? This sweetheart cabbage and courgette (zucchini) stir-fry recipe is the perfect solution. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish combines the natural sweetness of fresh vegetables with a hint of tangy flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Whether you’re in the UK searching for a “courgette (zucchini) stir-fry recipe” or in the US looking for an “easy zucchini stir-fry,” this recipe has you covered!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
1. Simple Ingredients with Everyday Appeal
Sweetheart cabbage, courgette (zucchini), and tomatoes are staples that are easy to find and store. Perfect for a spur-of-the-moment meal.
2. Quick and Healthy
This recipe is rich in fiber, low in calories, and loaded with vitamins, making it a nutritious option for plant-based meals.
3. Versatile Pairing Options
Serve it with rice, couscous, or grains, or enjoy it as a side dish. Add scrambled eggs or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Ingredients for Sweetheart Cabbage and Courgette (Zucchini) Stir-Fry
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetheart cabbage | ยฝ head | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Courgette (zucchini) | 1 medium | Seeded and sliced into bite-sized pieces |
| Tomatoes | 2 medium | Chopped into small pieces |
| Cooking oil | ยฝ tsp | Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola |
| Sugar | โ tsp | Balances the flavor |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust to your preference |
How to Cook Sweetheart Cabbage and Courgette (Zucchini) Stir-Fry in 20 Minutes
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Sweetheart Cabbage
Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces (about 3×3 cm), wash thoroughly, and pat dry. - Slice the Courgette (Zucchini)
Halve the courgette (zucchini) lengthwise, scoop out the seeded center, and cut into 2โ3 cm pieces. - Chop the Tomatoes
Wash and dice the tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a bowl.
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Sweetheart Cabbage
Heat a pan on medium-high heat with ยฝ tsp of cooking oil. Add the cabbage and stir-fry until softened (about 3โ4 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside. - Sautรฉ the Courgette (Zucchini) and Tomatoes
In the same pan, add the courgette (zucchini) and tomatoes. Sprinkle with โ tsp of sugar and salt to taste. Reduce the heat to medium and let the vegetables simmer for 3โ4 minutes. - Combine and Finish
Return the cooked cabbage to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors. - Serve and Enjoy
Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a side or main dish. Pair it with rice, couscous, or a mixed grain blend for a complete meal.
Tips for Customization
- Add Protein: Scrambled eggs, tofu, or even chickpeas work beautifully in this dish.
- Experiment with Flavors: For a sweet and sour twist, add 1 tsp of vinegar or a splash of soy sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Double the recipe and store leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Why This Dish Works
This recipe showcases the natural sweetness of cabbage and tomatoes, balanced by the courgette (zucchini)โs mild flavor. The sugar adds a hint of caramelized depth, while the quick cooking time preserves the vegetables’ freshness and nutrients.
Perfect for a healthy cabbage stir-fry, this recipe is a great way to enjoy a satisfying plant-based dinner with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this stir-fry is guaranteed to impress.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve this quick cabbage and tomato stir-fry with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice for a classic Asian-inspired meal.
- Quinoa or Couscous for a high-protein, fiber-rich option.
- Flatbread or Wraps for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Enjoy this vibrant dish tonight and relish the flavors of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Bon appรฉtit, or as we say in Chinese, ่ฏทๆ ข็จ (qวng mร n yรฒng) โ enjoy your meal!
Looking for similar recipes?
If you are looking for more vegetable dishes and sides, try some of our other Chinese recipes:
- Super easy carrot and celery stir-fry
- Spicy and flavorful yuxiang aubergine
- Easy and classic Chinese okra salad
Quick and Healthy Sweetheart Cabbage and Courgette (Zucchini) Stir-Fry Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes10
minutesLooking for a quick and healthy dinner idea? Try this 20-minute sweetheart cabbage stir-fry with courgette (zucchini) and tomatoes. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, it’s a fiber-rich, sweet, and sour dish that’s easy to make!
Ingredients
Sweetheart cabbage 1/2 head
Courgette (zucchini) 1 medium
Tomatoes 2 medium
Cooking oil 1/2 teaspoon
Sugar 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Directions
- Preparation
- Cut your sweetheart cabbage into bite-size pieces. Mine are around 3x3cm, but it doesnโt matter, wash thoroughly and leave to dry on the side.
- Wash and open up your courgette. Cut it into long strips, take out the center part where it contains all the seeds, then cut them into bite-size pieces. Again, mine are around 2-3cm, but do what you feel like.
- Now we prepare our tomatoes. Wash them first, then cut them into small bite-size pieces. Leave them in a bowl for later use.
- Cooking
- Heat up the pan at medium-high heat, add ยฝ tsp cooking oil, wait for it to heat up, and toss the sweetheart cabbage in. Give them a good stir fry until soft. Put them on a plate and set aside.
- Keep your pan at medium-high heat, and add chopped tomatoes and courgette (zucchini) in. Add โ
tsp sugar and salt to your taste, turn the heat to medium and let the vegetables simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked sweetheart cabbage back in, give it a good stir, and mix. Let it all cook for another 2 mins.
- Plate and serve.
