Crisp Cabbage and Savory Tuna Stir-Fry
Easy Braised Cabbage and Tuna Side Dish, Perfect for Lunchboxes!
Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe for stir-fried cabbage and tuna. This dish is incredibly quick to make with just cabbage, tuna, and dried chili peppers, making it an excellent choice for a busy morning lunchbox side. The subtle heat from the chili peppers perfectly balances the richness, creating a truly satisfying flavor.
Key Ingredients- 1/4 head fresh cabbage
- 1 can (170g) drained tuna
- 5 cloves garlic
- 5 whole dried chili peppers (peperoncino)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cabbage thoroughly. Remove the tough core and slice it into thick, bite-sized strips, about 0.5 cm wide. Slicing too thinly can cause the cabbage to become mushy when cooked.
Step 2
Place the sliced cabbage in a bowl and soak it in water with a splash of vinegar (about 1 teaspoon) for 10 minutes. This step helps to remove any bitterness and enhances the cabbage’s crispness. After soaking, rinse the cabbage under running water and drain it well.
Step 3
Trim the ends off the garlic cloves and slice them thinly into ‘piano’ slices (about 2-3mm thick). Sliced garlic releases a more robust aroma when stir-fried.
Step 4
Finely mince the whole dried chili peppers. You can remove the seeds if you prefer a milder heat.
Step 5
Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out all the oil. Using tuna packed in water or oil-free tuna for salads will result in a lighter, more delicate flavor. Ensuring all excess oil is removed is key for a clean taste and texture.
Step 6
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced chili peppers and sliced garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 7
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Stir-frying over high heat helps the cabbage retain its crisp texture and prevents it from releasing too much water.
Step 8
When the cabbage begins to soften and wilt slightly (about halfway cooked), add the drained tuna, oyster sauce, and black pepper. Stir-fry quickly to combine everything. Gently break up any clumps of tuna as you stir.
Step 9
Once the cabbage is fully cooked and tender, and all ingredients are well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of aroma and nutty flavor. Your delicious Cabbage and Tuna Stir-Fry is ready to be served!
