Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry – Fast, Fresh & Flavorful!
Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and easy dish that is packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful mix of tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and vibrant vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
This stir-fry is not just tasty; it’s also healthy. With lean chicken and fresh veggies, it provides a good balance of protein and nutrients. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The sauce adds a delicious umami flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it sit while you prep the vegetables and sauce.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Set this sauce aside.
- Stir-fry chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Cook veggies: In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, shredded cabbage, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the cabbage softens a little but still has some crunch.
- Combine and toss: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until well coated and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Garnish the stir-fry with sliced green onions and serve it hot, with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
How to Serve Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry
Serve this delicious stir-fry hot directly from the skillet. It’s great on its own or served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top can also enhance the dish!
How to Store Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Make sure to cut the chicken and vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added variety.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce based on your taste preference.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce if you like it spicy.
Variation
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef if you prefer. The cooking method remains the same, but you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the stir-fry fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
