Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a healthy, quick, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce to create a perfect balance of taste and texture. This stir-fry is a weeknight favorite due to its simplicity and versatility.

I still remember the first time I made this dish—it was one of those nights when I needed something quick but satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and crunchy cabbage, all coated in a rich, savory sauce made with soy, garlic, and ginger, was absolutely irresistible. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly stir-fried goodness, and it was an instant hit.

What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and crunch, or even switch up the protein with tofu or shrimp. Paired with steamed rice or noodles, it transforms into a complete, restaurant-quality dinner you can enjoy in the comfort of your home. Simple, flavorful, and wholesome—this stir-fry is a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Low-carb or keto-friendly diets (skip the rice!)
• A quick and nutritious family meal
• Asian-inspired cooking enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Here’s why Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry will become your go-to stir-fry recipe:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-dense cabbage for a wholesome meal.
• Flavorful and Versatile: The ginger-garlic soy sauce adds bold flavors, and the recipe can be customized with your favorite veggies.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in a single wok or skillet.
• Low Carb and Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the rice or serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry:

• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (green, Napa, or savoy cabbage work best)
  • 1 small carrot, julienned or thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (e.g., canola or peanut oil)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• For the Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, or use honey for a natural sweetener)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Aromatics:
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cabbage: The star of this dish, cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, with a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
• Chicken: Use lean chicken breast for a healthier option or chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These staples of Chinese cooking create a rich, umami-packed sauce with depth of flavor.
• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics form the foundation of the stir-fry, adding warmth and fragrance.
• Cornstarch: Used in the marinade and sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Mix well and let marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Make the Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cabbage, julienne the carrot (if using), and mince the garlic and ginger.

Cook the Stir-Fry:

4. Heat the Pan: Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
5. Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
6. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, followed by the minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
8. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

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How to Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry can be enjoyed in several ways:

• With Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles like lo mein, rice noodles, or soba for a heartier meal.
• As a Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or on its own for a keto-friendly meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: Use the stir-fry as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fresh, light alternative.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your stir-fry turns out perfect:

• Prep Everything First: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• Use High Heat: A high cooking temperature helps to sear the chicken and vegetables, locking in flavor and keeping them crisp.
• Cut Ingredients Uniformly: Slice the chicken and vegetables into even sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If necessary, cook in batches to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of stir-frying.
• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce by adding more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or rice vinegar to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Here are 10 variations of Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry to try:

1. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef for a hearty alternative.
2. Shrimp Cabbage Stir-Fry: Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
3. Vegetarian Cabbage Stir-Fry: Skip the chicken and add tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
4. Spicy Cabbage Stir-Fry: Add extra red pepper flakes or chili paste for a spicier kick.
5. Peanut Cabbage Stir-Fry: Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a nutty flavor.
6. Garlic Butter Cabbage Stir-Fry: Use garlic butter in place of oil for a richer, more indulgent stir-fry.
7. Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry: Add pineapple chunks and a splash of sweet and sour sauce for a tangy twist.
8. Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry: Add toasted cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
9. Keto-Friendly Stir-Fry: Skip the sugar and serve with cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb.
10. Teriyaki Cabbage Stir-Fry: Replace the sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, glaze-like finish.

Freezing and Storage for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked stir-fry in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Special Equipment for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Here are some tools that can make preparing your stir-fry even easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok provides even heat and plenty of space for stir-frying.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables evenly.
• Tongs or Spatula: Use tongs or a wide spatula to toss the ingredients while stir-frying.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
   Yes, pre-shredded cabbage works great and saves time. Just make sure it’s fresh.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and you’re good to go.
3. How can I make it spicier?
   Add more red pepper flakes or a dollop of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the stir-fry’s texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the vegetables soggy.
5. Can I use dark meat chicken?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well as chicken breasts.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family, this stir-fry delivers bold flavors, crisp textures, and satisfying nutrition in every bite. With its easy preparation and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant, savory flavors of homemade Chinese cuisine!