15 Easy Japanese Cabbage Recipes (Stir fry, salad, and more!)

Looking for an easy way to cook with cabbage? These cabbage recipes feature simple ingredients, including vegan and vegetarian options. Try them out today!

4 Japanese cabbage dishes.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a popular and versatile vegetable in Japan, enjoyed both cooked and raw. It is commonly used in stir-fries, salads, and soups. Cabbage is in season during spring and winter; spring cabbage is soft with a fresh color, while winter cabbage becomes sweeter when heated.

2. Stir-fried Cabbage with Butter and Soy Sauce

Are you looking for a quick and easy cabbage recipe? Try our Stir-fried Cabbage recipe! With just butter and soy sauce, ordinary cabbage becomes a delicious side dish!

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Stir-fried cabbage served on a plate.

3. Japanese Cabbage Pancake with Seafood (Okonomiyaki)

With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Japanese Cabbage Pancake (Okonomiyaki). Whip up this beloved comfort food and savor a taste of Japan at home!

Cabbage pancake.

4. Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Garlic and Sesame

Enjoy the refreshing Crunchy Cabbage Salad with savory garlic and sesame flavors. Whether as a side or standalone dish, it’s the perfect addition to any meal!

Crunchy cabbage salad served on a plate.

5. Vegetarian Cabbage Soup

Enjoy the cozy comfort of our Vegetarian Cabbage Soup—a warm and flavorful dish perfect for anyone seeking a delicious cabbage recipe. Give it a try!

Vegetarian cabbage soup served on a bowl.

6. Steamed Vegetables Using a Bamboo Steamer

Enjoy the simplicity of Steamed Vegetables with this easy recipe! When you use a bamboo steamer, you’ll be greeted by the gentle aroma of bamboo. Give it a try!

Steamed vegetables in a bamboo steamer.

7. Vegetable Gyoza Recipe

This Vegetable Gyoza is our family’s favorite! This simple recipe uses only vegetables, yet it’s delicious, flavorful, and crispy—you’ll want to make it again and again!

Holding vegetable gyoza with chopsticks.

8. Steamed Gyoza with Tofu and Cabbage

Are you looking for a no-meat dumpling recipe? Try these Vegetarian Steamed Gyoza filled with tofu and cabbage. They’re delicious, nutritious, and oil-free!

Steamed gyoza served on a plate.

9. Tonpeiyaki (Omelet with Stir-fried Cabbage)

Learn how to make Tonpeiyaki, a delicious Japanese omelet filled with stir-fried cabbage. Perfect for a quick vegetarian meal!

Toypei yaki served on a plate.

10. Vegetable Yaki Udon

Vegetable Yaki Udon is a great, easy dinner idea for busy weeknights. It’s delicious, easy to make, and ready in under 15 minutes from start to finish!

Yaki udon in a frying pan.

11. Simmered Cabbage with Aburaage and Egg

Easy simmered cabbage with aburaage and egg. A cozy, satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with rice!

Simmered cabbage served on a plate.

12. Cabbage and Tuna Salad with Nori

Make this refreshing cabbage salad with tuna and seaweed in under 10 minutes—no cooking needed!

cabbage and tuna salad served on a plate.

13. Cabbage and Tomato Miso Soup

Easy cabbage miso soup made with just 4 ingredients—no dashi needed! Light, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal!

Cabbage and tomato miso soup served in a bowl.

14. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Oyster Sauce

Enjoy this quick and easy vegetable stir-fry — a perfect side dish for a busy weeknight. The rich oyster sauce adds an instant boost of flavor!

Cabbage stir fry served in a bowl.

15. Baked Pasta with Cabbage, Tomato & Miso Mackerel

A cozy, easy baked pasta made with cabbage, tomato, canned fish, and whatever pasta you’ve got in the fridge—hearty, budget-friendly, and all baked in one dish!

Cabbage and mackerel baked pasta.

Your Questions Answered

What kind of cabbage is used in Japan?

The most commonly used cabbage in Japan is green cabbage and napa cabbage. Both varieties are widely utilized in Japanese dishes and are often used interchangeably in recipes.

Can I eat cabbage raw, or does it need to be cooked?

Raw cabbage is commonly enjoyed in salads and pickles. Its crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor bring a refreshing element to dishes.

What part of the cabbage do you not eat?

The outer green leaves of cabbage are often discarded due to their bitter taste and stringy texture. However, by slow cooking, they can be transformed into delicious soups or steamed dishes.

Can I freeze the cabbage for later use?

Yes, you can. Wash and cut it into bite-size pieces, then store it in a freezer bag. You can add frozen cabbage directly to dishes like soups and stews without thawing beforehand.

What kind of cabbage is used for okonomiyaki?

The cabbage typically used for Okonomiyaki, a popular Japanese savory pancake, is green cabbage.

More Ways To Cook Cabbage

  • Miso Soup: Cabbage is simmered in dashi (Japanese soup stock) along with tofu and green onions, then miso paste is stirred in to create a hearty and comforting soup.
  • Stir-fry Vegetable: Sliced cabbage is quickly cooked with other vegetables, then seasoned with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
  • Pickles: Make a quick Japanese side dish by mixing cut cabbage with shio kombu. You can substitute this Pickled Napa Cabbage recipe with green cabbage.

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4 delicious cabbage dishes.

More Japanese Vegetable Recipes You Will Love

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Juri Austin wearing denim kimono and holding bento box.

Juri Austin

Hi! I’m Juri, founder of Chef JA Cooks and the creator and photographer of this site. I’m here to guide you in authentic yet easy-to-follow Japanese recipes! Let’s explore the world of Japanese cuisine together!

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