• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Girl Heart Food®
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

    Kohlrabi Stir Fry (Using Bulb and Kohlrabi Leaves)

    Published: February 12, 2020 Updated: February 13, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 22 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    Kohlrabi stir-fry in a dish.

    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. Enjoy this veggie stir-fry recipe on its own or with your favourite side.

    Kohlrabi stir-fry in a dish.

    Hi friends!

    Sharing a simple veggie stir-fry recipe with you today.

    Enter this easy kohlrabi stir-fry!

    A little 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, and it’s jam-packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C.

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

    Two uncooked kohlrabi with greens on a wooden board.

    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 prepare, 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 cut up the kohlrabi.

    Basically, often what I like to do to prepare the kohlrabi (after the stems and leaves have been removed), is to cut off the tough end, slice the kohlrabi in half, cut out and discard the core, peel, and cut the kohlrabi further into the desired size (depending on the recipe).

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

    Sliced kohlrabi on a cutting board alongside a knife.

    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.

    Kohlrabi 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 okay. Reserve the unused leaves for another use!

    Besides stir-fry, kohlrabi leaves are also great in soups, stews, or simply cooked in a pan (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. Heat avocado oil or vegetable oil in a wok and add onion, carrots, 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 pepper.
    8. Garnish and serve!

    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.

    Kohlrabi stir-fry in a wok.

    Can I Make Stir Fry Without a Wok?

    Of course!

    If you don’t have a wok on hand, use a large pan to make this kohlrabi stir-fry instead.

    Kohlrabi stir-fry in a dish next to chili peppers, green onion, sesame seeds and chopsticks.

    Amp up the Flavour With Garnish

    Some delicious garnish options for this stir-fry are:

    • Nuts, like roasted peanuts or roasted cashews
    • Sesame seeds
    • Green onion
    • Cilantro
    • Squeeze of lime juice
    • Drizzle of your favourite hot sauce. I love hot sauce on stir-fry!
    Hand holding chopsticks and picking up some veggie stir-fry from a dish of it.

    Sides To Serve With It

    Enjoy this veg stir-fry on its own or with any of these:

    • Fried rice
    • Udon or ramen noodles
    • Cauliflower rice
    • Quinoa
    • Springs rolls or egg rolls
    • Dumplings
    • Seaweed salad
    • Kimchi
    Large serving spoon resting in a dish of vegetable stir-fry.

    More Quick Dinner Recipes

    • Black Bean Quesadillas
    • 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.

    If you make this stir fried kohlrabi recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Kohlrabi stir-fry in a dish.

    Kohlrabi Stir-Fry (Using Bulb and Kohlrabi Leaves)

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    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. Enjoy this veggie stir-fry recipe on its own or with your favourite side.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 4 servings (with a side)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    Stir-Fry Sauce

    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon cold water
    • 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
    • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, or gluten-free or regular soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons fish sauce, use a vegetarian fish sauce if you want
    • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

    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 ¼-inch thick
    • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
    • 1 small bell pepper, cut into strips
    • 1.5 pounds kohlrabi, remove stems/leaves and tough end. Slice kohlrabi in half, remove/discard core (if necessary), peel and cut into chunks or slices. Then cut into thin strips. You'll want about 3 small kohlrabi (and reserve about 3 cups of leaves)
    • 1 chili pepper, thinly sliced (use your favourite variety of chili pepper)

    Stir-Fry Garnish Ideas (optional)

    • Roasted peanuts or roasted cashews
    • Green onion, sliced
    • Sesame seeds
    • Hot sauce
    • Cilantro, chopped

    For Serving (optional)

    • Cooked rice or noodles

    Instructions

    Stir-Fry Sauce

    • In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with water and mix. Whisk in vegetable broth and add soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk to incorporate everything. Set aside.

    Kohlrabi Stir-Fry

    • Heat avocado oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
    • Once hot, add onion, carrots, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring often, for about 2 to 3 minutes.
      Note: I like to regularly stir once the ingredients are added so nothing burns or sticks.
    • Add bell pepper and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes.
    • Add strips of kohlrabi and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes.
      Note: If you like your veggies more tender, you can cook a little longer.
    • Add kohlrabi leaves, stirring often, for about 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves have wilted.
    • Whisk the stir-fry sauce again, then pour sauce into wok, stirring in. Bring to a simmer for 2 minutes or so. You just want to thicken the sauce a little.
    • Once done, stir in sliced chili pepper. Garnish to taste (if desired) with any of the stir-fry garnish ideas. Serve with your favourite side (it's great with rice) for more of a substantial meal or enjoy as is.

    Notes

    • Stir-fry recipes come together quickly! Prep (have all your ingredients ready), 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 okay. Reserve the unused leaves for another use! They’re also great in soups or simply cooked.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword kohlrabi recipe, quick dinner recipe, veggie stir fry

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

    « Chicken and Sausage With Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce
    Cabbage Soup With Sausage and Potatoes »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    © Girl Heart Food Inc. All photographs and content are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      February 17, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Thank you so much 🙂

      Reply
    2. Leanne

      February 15, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never tried kohlrabi (I’m not even sure I’ve seen it at the grocery store), but now I definitely want to look for it. Stir fries are so great for weeknight meals! They come together quickly and are a great way to get all those veggies in. I’ll definitely give this one a try! Happy weekend Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:05 pm

        Happy to hear that, Leanne! Hope you love it! Have a great week ahead 🙂

        Reply
    3. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      February 13, 2020 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      Since I’ve been on such a chocolate cake, these veggies are calling my name Dawn!! I have never really worked with kohlrabi, so this looks like a terrific place to start. Happy Valentine’s Day weekend, my friend!! XO

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:04 pm

        For sure! Thanks Katherine! Hope you had a lovely weekend! XO

        Reply
    4. Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef

      February 13, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this informative post about Kohlrabi. Even though I have eaten it since childhood I never used the leaves. I will try it the next time I cook with Kohlrabi .

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:03 pm

        My pleasure! And thank you for the lovely comment! They add a nice heartiness to the dish 🙂

        Reply
    5. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      February 13, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been wanting to check this recipe out ever since you talked about kohlrabi being like broccoli! Broccoli is my fave veggie so I bet i’d love kohlrabi! I love how quickly this comes together and it looks and sounds so delicious! I’m all for a mid week veggie packed dinner 🙂

      Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      February 13, 2020 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      I’m all about low carb meals lately Dawn. And I’ve never tried kohlrab, but I can’t wait, seeing as you and the hubs both give it a thumbs up! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:03 pm

        Hope you love it too! Thanks Mary Ann 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      February 12, 2020 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t know if I’ve ever cooked with kohlrabi, or even eaten it, but I know I’d love it. (It’s pretty hard to find a veggie I don’t love.) I’ll definitely be looking for it tomorrow at the grocery store! I loooove all the pretty colors you have going on in this stir fry and it sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:02 pm

        Thank you Kelsie! Hope you give this one a try soon 🙂

        Reply
    8. Matt - Total Feasts

      February 12, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never eaten kohlrabi, but I see it in the shop all the time. I might have to try this, it looks so yummy!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:02 pm

        Hope you enjoy! Thanks Matt 🙂

        Reply
    9. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      February 12, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      Ever since I saw that you said on IG that kohlrabi was similar to broccoli I knew I wanted to try this!!! Love that it’s packed with veggies and sounds SO flavorful!!! Perfect easy weeknight dinner!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:02 pm

        Woo hoo! Thanks Haylie!!

        Reply
    10. Valentina

      February 12, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      I really like kohlrabi, and I love that you use the entire vegetable – root and greens. I love how bright and colorful this dish is, too. 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:01 pm

        Appreciate that! Thanks Valentina!

        Reply
    11. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      February 12, 2020 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      I was curious what you were going to make with the kohlrabi. When we grew it, we had no idea what to do with it. Now that I’ve got this recipe,I’ll be ready! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:01 pm

        Woo hoo! Thanks Kathy! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    12. David @ Spiced

      February 12, 2020 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      You’ve posted some really interesting recipes lately, Dawn! Celeriac, parsnips and now kohlrabi. The veggie section at the grocery store better watch out when you guys walk in! 🙂 Seriously, though, this stir fry sounds delicious. I’ve never cooked with kohlrabi, but I like that it stays crunchy – perfect for stir fries. This is a perfect healthy side dish for these cold winter days!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        February 17, 2020 at 2:01 pm

        Thank you very much, David! Hope you give this one a try! It’s really yummy 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture of Dawn from Girl Heart Food.

    Hi, I'm Dawn! Welcome to Girl Heart Food, a food blog that's all about easy comfort food recipes (especially cheesy recipes) that'll satisfy your taste buds and make your belly happy. Have a look around and find something that'll inspire you to get into the kitchen and whip up something delicious to enjoy today!

    More about Girl Heart Food →

    Currently Trending

    • Stack of six cheesy ground beef quesadillas.
      Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
    • Old-fashioned cabbage rolls with tomato sauce and dill garnish in a serving dish.
      Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls (Inspired by Nan)
    • Cheesy baked broccoli and cauliflower in a dish.
      Broccoli Cauliflower Bake (Vegetable au Gratin)
    • Ground turkey rice bowl.
      Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails & updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 Girl Heart Food Inc.

    Girl Heart Food® is a Registered Trademark.

    Use of this site constitutes acceptance of its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.