Tomato Cabbage Stir-Fry (Fan Qie Bao Cai)
A quick, tangy, and savory stir-fry featuring crisp cabbage, juicy tomatoes, and savory pork belly. This authentic Fan Qie Bao Cai recipe is the perfect light summer meal.
Equipment
- 1 Wok Carbon steel preferred, or a large skillet
- 1 Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 0.5 head Round Cabbage approx. 10 oz / 300g, preferably Taiwanese flat cabbage
- 1 large Tomato ripe
- 4 oz Pork Belly fresh, skin-on or off
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil neutral oil like canola
- 2 stalks Scallions (Green Onions) chopped
- 4 tsp Light Soy Sauce
- 4 tsp Sugar White granulated
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash cabbage and tear into bite-sized pieces. Dry thoroughly (crucial for texture). Cut tomato into wedges. Thinly slice pork belly. Chop scallions.
- Render Pork: Heat wok over medium heat. Add oil and pork belly. Stir-fry until pork turns pale and edges brown slightly to render the fat.
- Aromatics: Add scallions to the pork and stir-fry for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Caramelize Soy Sauce: Pour light soy sauce into the mixture. Let it bubble for a few seconds to develop a savory aroma.
- Stir-Fry Cabbage: Turn heat to high. Add cabbage immediately. Toss rapidly for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Add Tomatoes: Add tomato wedges. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Season: Sprinkle sugar and salt over the dish. Toss well to combine.
- Serve: Transfer to a plate and serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: Use Tamari instead of Soy Sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Omit pork belly. Use 2 tbsp oil total to ensure the vegetables are well coated.
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Garnishes and optional items are not included. Actual values vary based on specific product brands used.
Vegetarian Option: Omit pork belly. Use 2 tbsp oil total to ensure the vegetables are well coated.
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Garnishes and optional items are not included. Actual values vary based on specific product brands used.