Tasty Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a quick and delectable chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables dance with tender meat in this classic Asian-inspired dish.

Forget complicated cooking techniques that drain your energy.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction in your kitchen.

Pantry staples become a delightful meal that surprises and delights.

Let’s uncover how simple ingredients can become an extraordinary dinner that sparks joy at your table.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry With Chinese Flavors

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious stir-fry in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a fast, nutritious meal without complicated cooking techniques.
• Healthy One-Pan Wonder: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich cabbage, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that's low in calories and high in flavor, supporting your wellness goals with minimal effort.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, cabbage, and basic pantry seasonings, making it an economical choice that doesn't sacrifice taste or nutrition for families watching their grocery spending.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for tofu, adding different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry What to Prepare

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides the main body of the stir-fry, best when sliced thinly against the grain for tender texture.

• Chinese Cabbage, Garlic, Ginger: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, aromatics, and depth of flavor to the dish, select crisp and firm produce for best results.

• Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Classic Asian condiments that bring umami and savory richness to the stir-fry.
• Cornstarch, Water: Thickening agents that help create a glossy and smooth sauce coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste and balance flavors.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying, ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.

Stir Fry Instructions for Cabbage and Chicken the Chinese Way

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Water

Mix thoroughly until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Add chicken strips to the wok, cooking and moving them around for 2-3 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 4: Introduce Crispy Cabbage

Slide chopped Chinese cabbage into the wok, continuing to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.

The cabbage should remain slightly crunchy but softened.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cabbage.

Stir rapidly for one minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and lovingly coat every morsel.

Step 6: Final Seasoning And Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Transfer the sizzling stir-fry to a serving plate and enjoy immediately with steamed rice.

Stir-Fry Tips for Crisp Cabbage & Juicy Chicken

• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent cornstarch clumping and ensure smooth, glossy coating.
• Keep high heat consistently to achieve perfect stir-fry texture without soggy vegetables.
• Cut cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain desired crisp-tender texture.
• Prepare sauce and chop ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce total preparation time.

Reheat Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out and restore moisture to the chicken and cabbage.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing for up to 2 months, with best quality consumed within the first month.
• Consume reheated stir-fry immediately after warming to maintain optimal texture and flavor of the chicken and vegetables.

Simple Pairings for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet German Riesling that complements the savory stir-fry, balancing the dish's salty soy sauce and cutting through its richness with bright, fruity notes.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice as the perfect base, soaking up the delicious sauce and providing a neutral backdrop to the vibrant chicken and cabbage flavors.
• Match with Asian Beer: Choose a light lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, whose clean, crisp profile refreshes the palate and enhances the stir-fry's bold seasonings without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
• Complement with Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or radish on the side, introducing a tangy, crunchy element that provides textural contrast and helps cleanse the taste buds between bites.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry with Veggie Switches

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use lettuce wraps instead of traditional serving method for added crunch.
• Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during the stir-frying process. Include diced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor complexity.
• Protein Power: Substitute chicken with lean beef strips or shrimp for a different protein profile. Adjust cooking time based on the protein's thickness and tenderness.

FAQs

• Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating on the chicken and cabbage, giving the dish a professional restaurant-style texture.

• Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Napa cabbage works best for this stir-fry, but you can substitute with green or white cabbage if needed. Just ensure you chop it into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

• What's the best way to cut chicken for stir-frying?

Slice chicken against the grain into thin, uniform strips about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender meat that absorbs the sauce well.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook chicken on high heat for a short time, and avoid overcrowding the wok. Keep the chicken moving constantly to ensure it stays juicy and doesn’t steam or become rubbery.

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry brings authentic Asian flavors straight to your kitchen. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance together in a quick, savory meal that delivers robust taste and nutritional balance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables:

• 1 small Chinese cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch (2.5 cm) ginger, peeled and grated

Seasoning and Cooking Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cornstarch
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a compact mixing vessel, creating a smooth, glossy marinade for later use.
2. Fire up a wok over intense heat, allowing the cooking surface to become searing hot and ready for rapid culinary action.
3. Tumble minced garlic and grated ginger into the scorching wok, releasing their aromatic essence and creating a fragrant base for the stir-fry.
4. Introduce chicken strips into the sizzling environment, allowing them to caramelize and develop rich golden edges while maintaining tender interiors.
5. Fold crisp Chinese cabbage into the wok, tossing vigorously to ensure even heat distribution and preserve the vegetable’s vibrant texture and slight crispness.
6. Stream the prepared sauce mixture over the sizzling ingredients, stirring continuously to help the liquid transform into a glossy, clingy coating that embraces every morsel.
7. Modulate the seasoning with precise pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the dish’s robust character.
8. Transfer the piping hot stir-fry onto a bed of steamed rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal that celebrates Chinese culinary traditions.

Notes

• Ensure the wok is scorching hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature wok hei flavor and prevent soggy vegetables.
• For a lighter version, swap chicken with tofu or lean protein like turkey breast and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce calories.
• Slice cabbage and chicken uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Prep all ingredients before starting to cook, as stir-frying happens quickly and requires immediate attention to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg