why make this recipe
This Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns recipe is quick, cheap, and tasty. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. If you like easy noodle meals, try a similar twist with ground beef and ramen noodles for another quick dinner idea.
introduction
These buns are soft inside and crisp outside. You cook cabbage and noodles, shape them into small buns, coat them, and pan-fry until golden. The recipe works as a snack, side dish, or light meal. For a different cabbage idea, look at this southern fried cabbage and sausage recipe to learn more ways to use cabbage.
how to make Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns
Follow the directions below. Keep your hands wet or lightly oiled when shaping the buns so the mix does not stick. Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned skillet for best results.
Ingredients :
2 cups cooked noodles, 1/2 head cabbage, finely chopped, 1/2 onion, chopped, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger, minced, 1/2 tsp garlic, minced, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
Directions :
In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced ginger, and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened., Add finely chopped cabbage and soy sauce to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage wilts and softens, stirring occasionally., Add the cooked noodles and black pepper to the cabbage mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through., In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour thoroughly. This mixture will be used to coat the buns before frying., Using your hands or a spoon, shape the noodle and cabbage mixture into small, compact buns suitable for pan-frying. Lightly coat each bun in the flour and cornstarch mixture to create a crispy outer layer when fried., Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated buns for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Turn gently to avoid breaking the buns., Remove the buns from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or a garlic dip.
how to serve Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns
Serve the buns hot. Offer soy sauce, chili sauce, or a garlic dip on the side. They work well with a simple salad or steamed greens. For a full meal idea that adds a sweet finish, consider a light dessert like air fryer apple hand pies.
how to store Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns
Let buns cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep them crisp. Do not leave them out more than two hours at room temperature.
tips to make Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns
- Squeeze excess water from cooked noodles if they are wet.
- Chop cabbage small so buns hold together.
- Mix cornstarch and flour well for even coating.
- Fry on medium heat so the inside cooks without burning the outside.
- For more noodle technique ideas, see this asian ground beef noodles page for tips on handling noodles.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked, chopped shrimp or shredded chicken to the mix.
- Stir in a beaten egg to bind the buns more firmly.
- Make spicy buns by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling.
- Use rice noodles or thin wheat noodles instead of thicker kinds.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until golden.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free noodles and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Check soy sauce for gluten or use tamari.
Q: How do I keep buns from falling apart?
A: Press them compact when shaping, squeeze out extra moisture, and use the cornstarch mix to help bind.
Q: Can I freeze the buns?
A: Yes. Freeze uncooked shaped buns on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen, adding a minute or two per side.
Conclusion
For the original source and another clear step-by-step take on this dish, see Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns – The Foodie Takes Flight.

Pan-Fried Cabbage and Noodle Buns
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced ginger, and minced garlic, sautéing them for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add finely chopped cabbage and soy sauce to the skillet. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage wilts and softens, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked noodles and black pepper to the cabbage mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and all-purpose flour thoroughly. This mixture will be used to coat the buns before frying.
- Using your hands or a spoon, shape the noodle and cabbage mixture into small, compact buns suitable for pan-frying. Lightly coat each bun in the flour and cornstarch mixture to create a crispy outer layer when fried.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated buns for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Turn gently to avoid breaking the buns.
- Remove the buns from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice such as soy sauce, chili sauce, or a garlic dip.
