1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Braised Sesame Cabbage

Irresistible Sesame Braised Cabbage

Featured in Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Recipes.

Quick sesame cabbage, crispy and tender. Ready in 20 minutes. Cook in a skillet or air fryer.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Mena
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:15:11 GMT
Delicious Braised Sesame Cabbage Pin it
Delicious Braised Sesame Cabbage | delishdocket.com

This sesame-braised cabbage recipe transforms an humble vegetable into an irresistible dish. The magic happens when butter meets toasted sesame oil and oyster sauce, creating caramelized edges and tender centers that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

  • Cabbage: Choose firm green or red cabbage heads without blemishes. Green cabbage is traditional but red adds dramatic color.
  • Butter: Salted butter provides richness and helps create the signature sauce.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil: Use dark sesame oil for maximum nutty flavor.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds essential umami depth and slight sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium preferred for better seasoning control.
  • Chili Oil: Optional heat that balances the rich sauce.
  • Honey: Just enough to round out the flavors.
Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe Pin it
Sesame Braised Cabbage Recipe | delishdocket.com

Preparation Method

Quarter the cabbage while keeping the core intact - this maintains the wedge shape during cooking. The core acts as a natural anchor point.

Stovetop Instructions

Heat a cast iron skillet until very hot before adding the cabbage wedges. Allow proper browning before adding liquid - this caramelization develops deep flavor.

Air Fryer Method

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

Sauce Technique

Add the sauce mixture near the end of cooking to prevent burning. Layer the sauce, turning the wedges to coat evenly, allowing light caramelization.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or serves as a vegetarian main over rice topped with a fried egg. Makes an excellent side dish for Asian-inspired meals.

Variations

Enhance with fresh ginger and rice vinegar, or add mushrooms for extra depth. Top with toasted sesame seeds and scallions. Transform into a main dish by incorporating ground meat.

Storage

Stores well refrigerated for 3 days. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispiness. Chop leftovers for stir-fries or fried rice.

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

Chef's Notes

  • Select heavy-bottomed pans for optimal heat distribution
  • Season generously during initial cooking
  • Adjust cooking time for especially fresh, dense cabbage

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Does it turn out spicy?
Spice is optional—just skip the sambal or chili oil if you want it mild.
→ Can I use a different cooking oil?
Sure! Replace avocado oil with any neutral oil, like canola or sunflower.
→ Which cabbage works the best?
Green cabbage is a great choice, but napa cabbage works too.
→ Can this be prepped ahead of time?
It’s best when fresh but reheats well in an air fryer or pan.
→ How do I tweak it to make it vegan?
Use vegan butter and swap the oyster sauce for vegetarian hoisin or similar.

Braised Sesame Cabbage

Turn plain cabbage into a flavorful, crispy-edged dish with a sweet and salty sesame glaze—all done in 20 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 2 Servings (2-4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cabbage

01 A whole cabbage head, divided into four parts
02 1 tablespoon avocado oil
03 2 tablespoons of butter
04 A sprinkle of salt (around 1/4 teaspoon)
05 1 teaspoon black pepper
06 2 tablespoons of water for steaming

→ Sesame Sauce

07 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
08 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
09 1 tablespoon soy sauce (choose a low-sodium one)
10 1 stalk of chopped green onion
11 1 tablespoon of honey
12 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
13 1 tablespoon of sambal or chili oil (optional, for heat)
14 2 tablespoons of water

Instructions

Step 01

Pour the avocado oil into a cast iron pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Make sure the pan has a lid ready for later.

Step 02

Put the cabbage quarters into the pan and cook them until the edges get crispy. During this step, add the butter, salt, and pepper for flavor.

Step 03

Once each side of the cabbage is crisped up, pour in the water to make steam. Reduce the heat, cover it with the lid, and let the cabbage stew for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Combine all the ingredients for the sesame sauce in a bowl and mix them well.

Step 05

Use a knife to check if the cabbage’s middle feels tender. If not, let it cook for another 5 minutes. Once the water has evaporated and the cabbage is soft, pour in the sesame sauce and stir it all together.

Notes

  1. You can use an air fryer at 350°F for 20 minutes instead
  2. To keep the cabbage together, don’t remove the core
  3. Skip the sambal or chili oil if you'd like it mild

Tools You'll Need

  • A cast iron pan with a lid
  • A mixing bowl
  • A knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish contains soy
  • Contains dairy (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