Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners call for quick, flavorful meals that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds with this Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry that delivers on both fronts.

Crisp cabbage and tender chicken create a harmonious dance of textures and flavors.

The sizzling wok brings out an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this stir-fry offers a nutritious solution for busy cooks seeking a delicious meal.

Vibrant colors and bold seasonings transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will become a new family favorite.

FAQs

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, smooth texture that coats the chicken and cabbage evenly, making the dish more flavorful and restaurant-style.

  • Can I use a different type of cabbage?

While Chinese cabbage works best, you can substitute with napa cabbage or regular green cabbage if needed. Each will provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cut chicken into uniform, thin strips and avoid overcooking. Stir-fry on high heat quickly, which helps keep the meat tender and prevents it from becoming dry or chewy.

Why Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Is Tasty

  • Savor Authentic Flavor: Indulge in a delightful Italian-inspired dessert that brings together the rich, creamy texture of ricotta and the nutty warmth of almond flour, creating a truly sophisticated taste experience.
  • Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it an approachable yet impressive cake for any home cook.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this cake offers a delicate and refined dessert that will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings.
  • Healthier Dessert Option: Packed with protein from ricotta and nutritious almond flour, this cake provides a slightly more nutritious alternative to traditional heavy desserts while maintaining incredible flavor.

What Goes Into Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides the primary source of meat in this stir-fry dish.
Vegetables:
  • Chinese Cabbage: Crisp and light vegetable that adds texture and freshness to the stir-fry.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Umami-rich condiments that create a savory and complex flavor base.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Thickening agents that help create a smooth and glossy sauce.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for high-heat stir-frying.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that adjust and balance the final taste of the dish.

Steps for Stir-Frying Chicken and Cabbage

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Booster

Grab a small bowl and blend together:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Stir until smooth and set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Fire up your wok or large skillet on high heat.

Drizzle in vegetable oil and toss in:
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

Swirl and dance these ingredients for about 30 seconds until they release their tantalizing fragrance.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Slide chicken strips into the hot wok.

Let them sear and transform, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

Step 4: Welcome the Cabbage

Introduce chopped Chinese cabbage to the party.

Keep stirring and tossing for another 2-3 minutes, letting the cabbage soften while maintaining a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Marry the Flavors

Pour your prepared sauce over the chicken and cabbage.

Stir vigorously for one minute, watching the sauce thicken and embrace every morsel.

Step 6: Final Touch and Plate

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking.

Transfer this sizzling masterpiece to a serving plate alongside steamed rice and get ready to devour!

Notes Before Making Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Marinate chicken strips in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat that absorbs flavors perfectly.
  • Stir-fry cabbage quickly on high heat to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant color, avoiding overcooking that leads to soggy vegetables.
  • Adjust cornstarch amount in the sauce to achieve your desired thickness – less for a lighter coating, more for a thicker glaze that clings to ingredients.
  • Add a splash of rice wine or sesame oil at the end of cooking to introduce a rich, aromatic dimension to the stir-fry.

Tasty Swaps for Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Fans

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden for a plant-based version.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute cabbage with low-carb cauliflower or zucchini noodles, using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during cooking for an extra heat-packed stir-fry experience.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder.

What Matches With Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the savory stir-fry, cutting through the soy sauce's richness while complementing the chicken's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice as the perfect base, absorbing the stir-fry's flavorful sauce and providing a soft textural contrast to the crunchy cabbage.
  • Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a sharp, bright kick that adds a layer of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
  • Add Chili Oil Side: Offer a small dish of chili oil on the side for heat lovers who want to customize their spice level and enhance the stir-fry's flavor profile.

Storing Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring chicken and cabbage are fully covered to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of water to maintain moisture.
  • Warm in wok or skillet over medium heat. Add small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated completely, restoring original texture and flavor.
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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers a symphony of bold flavors from traditional Asian cuisine. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance together in a savory sauce, promising a quick, satisfying meal that transports taste buds straight to the heart of China.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables:

  • 1 small Chinese cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled and grated

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl to create a smooth, glossy sauce mixture, then set aside at room temperature.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, rapidly stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
  4. Introduce chicken strips to the hot wok, stir-frying continuously for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
  5. Incorporate chopped Chinese cabbage into the wok, tossing vigorously for 2-3 minutes to maintain a crisp texture while slightly wilting the leaves.
  6. Stream the prepared sauce over the chicken and cabbage, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the liquid transforms into a glossy, thickened coating.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
  8. Transfer the stir-fry immediately to serving plates, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each piece cooks quickly and evenly in the high-heat stir-fry method.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic profile.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by stir-frying on high heat and avoiding overcooking, maintaining a delightful textural contrast between tender chicken and crunchy cabbage.
  • For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while preserving the dish’s delicious essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 246 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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