Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and savory Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a great weeknight meal because it’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with veggies. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try!

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)
4 cups cabbage (shredded, green or napa cabbage)
1 carrot (julienned or sliced thinly)
1 bell pepper (red or yellow, sliced thinly)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1-inch piece ginger (grated or minced)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
1/4 cup water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Stir in the sugar (if using). Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The cabbage should soften slightly, but still retain some crunch.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything in the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken and veggies.

5. Serve:

Once everything is well coated in the sauce and heated through, remove from heat.
Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added texture and flavor, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier meal.
Noodles: Pair with stir-fried noodles or rice noodles for a complete dish.
Side Dish: Pair with egg rolls or wonton soup for a full Chinese-inspired meal.

Tips:

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for more variety.
Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili to give the stir-fry a spicy kick.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, making this dish super quick to put together on busy days.

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and full of texture and flavor. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals while enjoying the bold, savory tastes of Chinese cuisine. Enjoy cooking, and let me know how it turns out!