Mediterranean Cabbage & Spinach Stir-Fry

Table of Contents

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4

This Mediterranean Cabbage & Spinach Stir-Fry is a light yet satisfying dish packed with colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and bold flavor. The sweetness of carrots and bell peppers meets the umami of mushrooms and soy sauce, while a splash of white wine and sesame oil adds depth. Cashews bring a pleasant crunch, making it a wholesome vegetarian meal or side dish that pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or even pasta.

Ingredients

2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced

1 onion, thinly sliced

1 stalk celery, chopped

1–2 carrots, julienned

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)

¼ cup cashews (lightly toasted)

2 tbsp white wine (optional, for deglazing)

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp dark sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1–2 tbsp cooking oil (olive oil or other neutral oil)

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients:
Wash and chop all the vegetables. Toast the cashews lightly in a dry pan until golden, then set aside.

Sauté the aromatics:
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the hearty vegetables:
Add the carrots, celery, cabbage, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they start to soften.

Deglaze and season:
Pour in the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then stir well.

Add soft vegetables:
Stir in the bell pepper and spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated with sauce.

Finish with cashews:
Toss in the toasted cashews for a crunchy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve:
Serve warm as a light main dish or a flavorful side with steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa.

Tips:

Slice evenly: Cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate. Thin slices also help them stay crisp but tender.

High heat is key: Stir-frying works best over medium-high to high heat. Keep the vegetables moving in the pan to prevent them from steaming.

Don’t overcook: Spinach and bell peppers should be added last so they retain their color and texture.

Layer flavors: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and white wine at different stages to build depth. A little goes a long way.

Crunch control: Add cashews right before serving to keep them crunchy instead of soft.

Variations:

Add protein: Include tofu, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.

Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Extra Mediterranean flair: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or a sprinkle of feta just before serving.

Boost umami: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor.

Nut-free alternative: Swap cashews with roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Serving Ideas:

Serve it over brown rice, bulgur, or couscous for a filling meal.

Pair with grilled fish or halloumi for added protein and Mediterranean flair.

For a light lunch, spoon it into warm pita pockets with hummus or tahini sauce.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can cook it a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat to keep the vegetables from getting too soft.

Q: What’s the best type of cabbage for this recipe?
A: Green or Napa cabbage works best because they cook quickly and have a mild flavor that complements the spinach and sesame oil.

Q: Can I skip the wine?
A: Absolutely. You can replace white wine with a splash of vegetable broth or even lemon juice for acidity.

Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add a serving of cooked noodles, quinoa, or rice, or toss in chickpeas, tofu, or cooked chicken for extra protein.

Q: Is it okay to use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the stir-fry to prevent it from getting soggy.

Nutrition

(per serving, serves 4)

Calories: 210

Protein: 7g

Fat: 13g

Carbohydrates: 17g

Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 6g

Sodium: 420mg

(Values are approximate and vary depending on ingredients and portion size.)

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Cabbage & Spinach Stir-Fry is proof that simple, fresh ingredients can create incredible flavor. The mix of crisp vegetables, aromatic garlic, and nutty sesame oil makes it both light and deeply satisfying. It’s quick enough for weeknights but vibrant enough to serve as a side for guests.