1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Braised Sesame Cabbage

Irresistible Sesame Braised Cabbage

Featured in Feel-Good Food That Tastes Amazing.

Perfectly cooked cabbage drizzled in sesame sauce. Quick to make in a skillet or air fryer—only 20 minutes.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Rose
Updated on Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:36:47 GMT
Cabbage drizzled with sesame sauce Pin it
Cabbage drizzled with sesame sauce | tastybysophie.com

This delicious sesame-glazed cabbage recipe came from an impromptu kitchen experiment that turned into a family favorite. The magical combination of butter, toasted sesame oil, and rich oyster sauce elevates humble cabbage into an irresistible dish with caramelized edges and tender centers.

Essential Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Fresh green or red cabbage, choose firm heads with crisp leaves
  • Butter: Salted butter creates a rich, velvety sauce base
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Provides deep, nutty flavor
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds complex umami depth
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium preferred for better salt control
  • Chili Oil: Optional heat element for balanced flavor
  • Honey: Just enough to balance the savory elements
Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe Pin it
Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage

Quarter the cabbage while keeping the core intact - this maintains the wedge structure during cooking and prevents falling apart.

Stovetop Method

Heat cast iron until very hot before adding cabbage. Achieve deep browning before adding liquid for maximum flavor development.

Air Fryer Technique

Coat cabbage thoroughly with oil before air frying. Turn wedges halfway through for even browning.

Sauce Finishing

Add sauce mixture near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Layer sauce between flips for even coating and light caramelization.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect alongside grilled proteins or served over rice with a fried egg. Pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired main dishes or classic comfort foods.

Variations

Enhance with fresh ginger and rice vinegar, or add mushrooms while cooking. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Transform into a main dish by incorporating ground meat.

Storage

Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispiness. Excellent chopped and added to stir-fries.

Easy Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe Pin it
Easy Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Expert Tips

  • Choose heavy-bottomed pans for best heat distribution and browning
  • Season well with salt during initial cooking phase
  • Dense, fresh cabbage may need extended cooking time

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Does this dish have heat?
The spice level is up to you—leave out sambal or chili oil if you want it mild.
→ Can I switch out the oil?
You sure can! Any neutral oil, like olive or grapeseed oil, will work fine.
→ Which kind of cabbage is best?
Standard green cabbage shines in this dish, though napa cabbage could work too.
→ Can this be made ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, leftovers heat up perfectly in a skillet or air fryer.
→ How can I make it vegan?
Swap in plant-based butter and use vegetarian-friendly oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.

Braised Sesame Cabbage

Turn simple cabbage into a crave-worthy side dish, packed with flavor and ready fast in 20 minutes flat.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Fresh & Healthy

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 2 Servings (2-4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cabbage

01 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
02 2 tablespoons butter
03 A whole cabbage, cut into quarters
04 A teaspoon of black pepper
05 A pinch of salt (around 1/4 tsp)
06 2 tablespoons water to help with steaming

→ Sesame Sauce

07 Two tablespoons of sesame oil
08 Two spoons of oyster sauce
09 1 tablespoon honey
10 Low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon
11 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
12 1 green onion stalk, sliced
13 1 spoon of sambal or chili oil (optional)
14 2 tablespoons of water

Instructions

Step 01

Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron pan with a lid on medium-high heat.

Step 02

Toss in the cabbage and cook it until the edges become crispy. While cooking, add butter, a sprinkle of salt, and some pepper.

Step 03

When all sides are golden and crispy, pour in the water to create steam. Cover the pan and let it cook on lower heat for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Mix all the ingredients for the sesame sauce together in a bowl.

Step 05

Pierce the cabbage with a knife to check for tenderness in the middle. If needed, cook for another 5 minutes. Once the water’s gone and the cabbage is ready, drizzle the sauce over it and cook briefly to mix everything together.

Notes

  1. Can also be prepared using an air fryer at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Keep the core intact so the cabbage doesn’t fall apart.
  3. For a less spicy option, skip the sambal or chili oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pan with heavy base and lid (like cast iron)
  • A small bowl to mix the sauce
  • Sharp knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has soy (soy sauce)
  • Contains dairy ingredients (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 235
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 31 g