Kohlrabi Stir Fry (using bulb & kohlrabi leaves)

This kohlrabi stir fry is fresh, crunchy, easy to prepare and so delicious! It includes lots of veggies, like kohlrabi (both the bulb and greens) and carrot, in a simple stir fry sauce. Such a wonderful low carb dinner!

Hey friends!

Sharing a crazy simple veggie stir fry recipe with you guys today – kohlrabi stir fry, to be exact.

A while back, hubby and I came across kohlrabi, right alongside broccoli, at a local grocery store.

Being huge fans of veggies (and loving to try new things), we knew we had to give kohlrabi a try…and there was no looking back.

What is Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi, pronounced ‘kowl-raa-bee’ is a low carb veggie and is also known as ‘German turnip’ or ‘cabbage turnip’. It may look a little funny, as there are stems coming out from the main bulb. Don’t let that intimidate you! It’s super easy to prepare.

Kohlrabi is closely related to cabbage and broccoli and the like. It’s a cruciferous veggie, so it’s jam packed with goodness, especially vitamin c (one cup has 93% of your daily recommended value, according to healthline).

The exterior of kohlrabi can be green (like in today’s recipe) or purple, while the interior flesh has a white-ish hue.

What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like?

The flesh of kohlrabi smells somewhat like a turnip (though it’s not related to turnips) and it tastes similar to broccoli stems. It’s super crunchy, which makes it excellent in stir fry recipes and in raw salads.

How to Prepare Kohlrabi

It’s super easy to peel, especially younger/smaller bulbs.

If the stems and leaves are still intact, you can remove those so you are just left with the bulb (don’t toss those leaves).

Then, it’s just a matter of cutting off the stalk end, peeling, removing the tough core and cutting into desired pieces.

The Kitchn has a great guide on how to cut up kohlrabi.

Tip: If your kohlrabi are on the smaller side (like the ones I used), you may not need to remove the core inside.

How to Eat Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked, like in this kohlrabi stir fry recipe. You can also enjoy kohlrabi roasted or in soups and stews; the possibilities are pretty much endless.

Can You Eat Kohlrabi Leaves?

Yes!

Don’t toss those leaves! Some kohlrabi leaves are used in this veggie stir fry.

Kohlbabi greens are hearty and substantial. I love that they’re edible and you get to use more of the vegetable.

Like you would do with kale, simply remove the leaves from the stem and cut into bite-sized pieces.

You’ll likely have more leaves than you will need here. That’s ok. Reserve the unused leaves for another use!

Besides stir fry, kohlrabi leaves are also great in soups, stews or simply sauteed…basically use ’em like you would with other similar leaves.

My Kohlrabi Doesn’t Have Leaves!

Don’t sweat it, friends!

Sometimes you can find kohlrabi with the leaves removed. Grocers will often remove if they wilt (the bulb typically stays fresher than the leaves will).

You can obviously omit from the recipe or use another leafy green instead, like baby spinach or kale.

How to Make Kohlrabi Stir Fry

Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics –

1. Prep everything before starting to cook. This recipe comes together quickly! For this recipe, the kohlrabi was cut into thin strips.
2. Add some oil to a wok and throw in onion, carrot, garlic and ginger. Start cooking to get those flavours going.
3. Stir in bell pepper and cook for a little.
4. Add kohlrabi and cook (it’s not cooked very long as to retain its crispness).
5. Next goes kohlrabi greens and just wilt.
6. Pour in stir fry sauce and simmer for a bit.
7. Toss in sliced chili.
8. Garnish and enjoy!

Tip: Like mentioned, this recipe comes together quickly. Since the heat is on the higher side when cooking, I like to regularly stir to keep things moving to prevent any burning.

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Can I Make Stir Fry Without A Wok?

Of course!

If you don’t have a wok on hand, use a large sauté pan instead

Sides to Serve With Stir Fry

Enjoy this veg stir fry on its own or with –

• Fried rice
• Udon or ramen noodles
• Cauliflower rice
• Quinoa
• Springs rolls or egg rolls
• Dumplings
• Seaweed salad
• Kimchi

Amp Up The Flavour With Garnish

Some delicious stir fry garnish options are –

• Peanuts
• Cashews
• Sesame seeds
• Green onion
• Cilantro
• Squeeze of lime juice
• Drizzle of your favourite hot sauce. I love Sriracha on stir fry!

If you love low carb veggies, you may enjoy this celeriac puree!

More Tips & Variations

The veggies here still have a little bite (which I love). If you want them more tender, simply cook a little longer.

Unsalted veggie broth was used, but you could use chicken broth, if you like.

If you want to keep things vegetarian, opt for a vegetarian fish sauce (from Minimalist Baker).

If you don’t have fresh chili, add some red chili flakes to taste.

Other Quick Dinner Recipes You May Enjoy

• Black Bean Quesadillas – Hearty black beans, corn and cheese makes these veggies quesadillas perfect for busy weeknights.
• Veggie Sandwich – this hearty veggie loaded sandwich is easy to prepare and so tasty! Enjoy on its own or with a bowl of tomato soup for one delicious meal!

Hope you love this quick vegetable stir fry recipe as much as we do!

So, the next time you see kohlrabi in your grocery store or at your farmer’s market, don’t be afraid to give it a go! It’s seriously easy to prepare and really yummy!

And if you like this veggie, yay! Stay tuned, because there’s more easy kohlrabi recipes heading your way 😉

Until next time, take care and chit chat again soon,

Dawn

Make this stir fried kohrabi recipe? That’s awesome! Love it if you left a comment and rating below. Many thanks!

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5 from 11 votes

Kohlrabi Stir Fry (using bulb and kohlrabi leaves)

This kohlrabi stir fry is fresh, crunchy, easy to prepare and so delicious! It includes lots of veggies, like kohlrabi (both the bulb and greens) and carrot, in a simple stir fry sauce. Such a wonderful low carb dinner!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Keyword kohlrabi recipe, quick dinner recipe, veggie stir fry

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4 servings (with a side)

Calories 137kcal

Author Dawn – Girl Heart Food

Ingredients

Kohlrabi Stir Fry

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion , peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots , peeled and sliced, about 1/4 inch thick
• 4 cloves garlic , sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger , minced
• 1 small bell pepper , cut into strips
• 1.5 pounds kohlrabi (Remove stems/leaves. Peel kohlrabi, cut into chunks and remove core, if necessary. Then, cut into thin strips. You'll want about 3 small kohlrabi (and reserve about 3 cups of leaves)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce (use a vegetarian fish sauce if you want to keep things vegetarian)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 pencil chili, thinly sliced (or your favourite chili or use chili flakes, to taste)

Suggested Garnish

• peanuts or cashews
• thinly sliced green onion
• sesame seeds
• sriracha or your favourite hot sauce
• cilantro

Instructions

• Add oil to a wok on medium high heat.

  Note: I like to regular stir once the ingredients are added so nothing burns or sticks.
• Once hot, add onion, carrot, garlic and ginger. Stir and cook 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add bell pepper and cook 2 minutes.
• Add kohlrabi and cook 3 minutes.

  Note: If you like your veggies more tender, you can cook a little longer.
• Add kohlrabi leaves and cook 1 to 2 minutes.
• Combine cornstarch with water and mix. Whisk into broth and add soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil. Whisk to incorporate everything.
• Pour sauce into wok and bring to simmer for 2 minutes or so.
• Stir in sliced chili. Garnish, if desired. Serve with your favourite side for more of a substantial meal or enjoy as is.

Notes

• Stir fry recipes come together quickly! Prep anything before you start cooking.
• The veggies here still have a little bite (which I love). If you want them more tender, simply cook a little longer.
• The kohlrabi greens were used in this stir fry, so don’t toss ’em! You’ll likely have more leaves than you will need here. That’s ok. Reserve the unused leaves for another use! They’re also great in soups or simply sauteed.
• Unsalted veggie broth was used, but you could use chicken broth, if you like.
• If you want to keep things vegetarian, opt for a vegetarian fish sauce, like this one from Minimalist Baker.
• If you don’t have fresh chili, add some red chili flakes to taste.

Tried this recipe? That’s awesome!Mention @dawn.girlheartfood or tag #girlheartfood

Nutrition (estimate only)

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 560mg | Potassium: 799mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 5861IU | Vitamin C: 135mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Facts

Kohlrabi Stir Fry (using bulb and kohlrabi leaves)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 137 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 560mg24%

Potassium 799mg23%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 4g8%

Vitamin A 5861IU117%

Vitamin C 135mg164%

Calcium 63mg6%

Iron 1mg6%

* Nutrition estimate only. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.