Introduction
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table. This stir-fry features tender pieces of chicken and crisp cabbage, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a flavorful, home-cooked meal.
Stir-frying is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine that involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat. This technique helps to retain the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of the ingredients, resulting in a vibrant and tasty dish. Chicken and cabbage are a classic pairing in Chinese stir-fries, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
One of the great things about Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. The sauce can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it more savory, sweet, or spicy.
Cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable that provides a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. When combined with lean chicken breast, this dish becomes a wholesome and balanced meal. It’s a great way to enjoy a variety of vegetables and lean protein in one delicious package.
The flavors of this stir-fry are enhanced by a simple yet flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet, complementing the chicken and cabbage perfectly. The sauce can be easily adjusted to suit your taste, making it a versatile and customizable recipe.
This dish is also a great option for meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The stir-fry can also be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the glossy sauce create a beautiful presentation that will make your meal even more enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix well and set aside
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Add the sliced cabbage, red bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired
Serve the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry hot, with steamed rice or noodles
How to Make
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Thinly slice the chicken breast, cabbage, red bell pepper, and green onions. Julienne the carrot and mince the garlic and ginger
Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This will be your stir-fry sauce
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant
Add the sliced cabbage, red bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables
Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, if desired
Tips
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables and chicken will make a noticeable difference in the taste of the dish
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything ready to go will make it much easier
Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and at the same rate
Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown
Be sure to cook the garlic and ginger just until fragrant. Overcooking them can result in a bitter taste
Add the vegetables that take longer to cook first. This ensures that all the vegetables are cooked to the right level of tenderness
Adjust the sauce to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more hoisin sauce. For more heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
Don’t overcook the vegetables. They should be tender but still crisp to maintain their flavor and texture
Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and a nice visual touch
Serve the stir-fry immediately while it’s hot. Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot off the stove
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table. Its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce makes it a satisfying and flavorful meal
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add your favorite vegetables, adjust the sauce, or even add some heat with red pepper flakes
Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking method that retains the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy and balanced meal without spending hours in the kitchen
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also visually appealing. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the glossy sauce create a beautiful presentation that will make your meal even more enjoyable
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The stir-fry can also be made in larger batches and stored for quick and easy meals throughout the week
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is sure to impress. Its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and beautiful presentation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion
Enjoy the delicious taste and nutritional benefits of Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. With its simple preparation and versatile nature, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Share this delightful meal with your loved ones and savor every bite