Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Description

A quick, healthy, and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces, crisp cabbage, and savory garlic sauce. This dish combines the simplicity of home-style Chinese cooking with the comfort of a restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp butter (or cooking oil)

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 3 cups green cabbage, chopped

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   Slice chicken, chop cabbage, and mince garlic. Mix cornstarch and water if using for sauce thickening.

2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat butter (or oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same pan, add a touch more butter or oil if needed. Add minced garlic and onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.

4. Add Vegetables:
   Toss in the cabbage. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until it begins to soften but remains crisp.

5. Combine & Sauce:
   Return the chicken to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt to taste. Pour in the cornstarch slurry if using. Stir until the sauce slightly thickens and coats everything evenly.

6. Garnish & Serve:
   Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• You can substitute cabbage with bok choy or napa cabbage for a milder taste.

• For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar.

• To make it spicy, add chili flakes or a few slices of red chili.

Tips

• High Heat: Stir-frying works best on high heat to lock in flavor and crispness.

• Cut Evenly: Make sure chicken and veggies are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.

• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats well and can be stored for 2–3 days in the fridge.

Servings

• Makes 2–3 servings as a main dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Values approximate and depend on exact ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

• High Protein: Supports muscle repair and maintenance.

• Low in Carbs: Great for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.

• Rich in Vitamins: Cabbage provides vitamin C, K, and antioxidants.

• Heart-Friendly: Low saturated fat when cooked with minimal oil.

Q & A

Q: Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Pork, beef, or shrimp all work well with this recipe. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or extra soy sauce.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Q: How can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.