Cabbage Fried Rice – Simple, Savoury, and Seriously Addictive Rice Dish You’ll Want to Make Every Week

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If you love fried rice but want something a little lighter, more budget-friendly, and packed with flavour, this Cabbage Fried Rice is going to be your new favourite. It combines soft, caramelised cabbage with smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, and perfectly seasoned rice, creating a comforting, umami-filled dish that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking with leftovers or planning an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers that irresistible “takeaway-style fried rice” taste—right from your kitchen.

Cabbage fried rice has roots in many Asian home kitchens, where cabbage is often used to stretch meals, add sweetness, and bring balance to savoury dishes. In this version, the cabbage turns beautifully tender while soaking up bacon flavour, garlic aroma, and savoury oyster sauce, making each bite rich yet surprisingly light. The textures are everything: crisp spring onions, silky eggs, and fluffy rice all come together in harmony. It’s also a wonderful way to use simple pantry ingredients while adding extra nutrition, thanks to fibre-rich cabbage and protein-packed eggs. This dish is freezer-friendly, reheats well, and is perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick comforting dinner.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Cabbage → Adds sweetness, bulk, fibre, and that satisfying soft-yet-slight crunch texture once cooked.
• Bacon → Brings smoky, savoury depth and richness that elevates the entire dish.
• Eggs → Add protein and creaminess, helping bind the rice and flavours together.
• Spring Onion → Fresh, slightly sharp flavour that brightens the dish and balances richness.
• Garlic → Builds aromatic depth and enhances savoury notes.
• Oyster Sauce & Soy Sauce → Provide umami, saltiness, and that signature fried rice taste.
• Rice → The heart of the dish; ideally slightly dry or leftover rice works best for perfect texture.
• Sesame Seeds (optional garnish) → Add nutty aroma and a lovely finishing touch. 


Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe 

📌 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Cuisine Type: Asian / Fusion | Calories (Estimate): ~500–550 kcal per serving | Serving Size: Serves 2–3

📝 Ingredients

  • 400g cabbage, thinly sliced (about 14 oz)
  • 1 cup spring onion (green onion / scallion), diced
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 150g bacon, diced (5.2 oz)
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 servings cooked rice (about 2–2.5 cups cooked rice)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola oil)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional garnish: extra spring onion, sesame seeds

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients
    • Slice cabbage thinly, dice spring onion, chop bacon, and prepare rice. 


  2. Heat the Pan
    • Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat (180°C / 356°F).
  3. Cook Aromatics
    • Add spring onion and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
  4. Cook Bacon
    • Add diced bacon. Cook until golden and fully cooked. 

  5. Cook Cabbage
    • Add cabbage and stir-fry until wilted and soft. 

  6. Scramble Eggs
    • Push everything to one side of the pan.
    • Crack in eggs, scramble until softly cooked, then mix through. 

  7. Season
    • Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir well. 

  8. Add Rice
    • Add cooked rice. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through. 

  9. Finish & Serve
    • Garnish with spring onion and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!  

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

✔ Vegan / Vegetarian: Replace bacon with mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan oyster sauce or mushroom sauce.
✔ Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce / tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
✔ Healthier Option: Reduce oil, use lean bacon or turkey bacon, and brown rice for extra fibre.
✔ Extra Veg: Add carrots, peas, corn, or capsicum (bell pepper).
✔ Perfect Fried Rice Tip: Use day-old rice for best texture.
✔ Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
✔ Freezing: Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw and stir-fry to refresh texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make cabbage fried rice ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.

2. What rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old cooked rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky.

3. Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. Substitute with chicken, prawns, tofu, or leave it vegetarian.

4. How do I stop the rice from becoming mushy?
Use cold rice, high heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

5. Can I freeze cabbage fried rice?
Yes, freeze in portions up to 2 months. Reheat on a pan for best results.

Wrap-Up 

This Cabbage Fried Rice is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavours. It’s comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days, meal prep, or a tasty weeknight dinner. I’d love to see your version—do you like it spicy, extra garlicky, or loaded with veggies?

💬 Let me know in the comments:
👉 What would you add to your cabbage fried rice?
And don’t forget to check out my other rice recipes on the blog for more delicious inspiration!

Keywords (키워드)

cabbage fried rice, easy fried rice recipe, bacon fried rice, simple rice dinner, quick weeknight rice,  양배추 볶음밥, 간단한 볶음밥 레시피, 베이컨 볶음밥, 집에서 만드는 볶음밥, 초간단 한끼

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