Description: This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breast is stir-fried with crisp cabbage, colorful bell peppers, carrots, and a savory sauce, creating a well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and delicious experience.
Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
→ Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Preparation:
Proper preparation is key to a successful stir-fry. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go ensures that the cooking process is quick and efficient. This is especially important for stir-fries, as the high heat and fast cooking time require you to work quickly. Let’s break down the preparation steps:
Step 1:
First, prepare all the vegetables. Start by slicing the medium yellow onion. You can slice it thinly or into slightly thicker wedges, depending on your preference. Ensure the slices are uniform for even cooking. Next, slice the medium bell pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes before slicing it into strips. Choose any color bell pepper you like – red, green, yellow, or orange will all work well and add a pop of color to the dish.
Step 2:
Julienne the medium carrot. This means cutting the carrot into thin, matchstick-like pieces. This not only looks appealing but also ensures the carrot cooks evenly and quickly. You can use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to make this process easier, or simply cut it by hand.
Step 3:
Mince the two cloves of garlic. Minced garlic adds a potent, aromatic flavor to the stir-fry. Use a garlic press or finely chop the garlic cloves with a knife. Be careful not to burn the garlic during cooking, as it can become bitter.
Step 4:
Chop the green cabbage. Remove any tough outer leaves and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Cabbage is a fantastic addition to stir-fries because it retains its crispness even when cooked at high temperatures.
Step 5:
Finally, dice the 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before dicing to help it brown better in the pan.
Now that all your ingredients are meticulously prepared, you’re ready to move on to the cooking phase, where the magic truly happens!
Instructions:
Step 1:
Heat the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. Ensure the skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear.
Step 2:
Add the diced chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside. This prevents the chicken from overcooking while you stir-fry the vegetables.
Step 3:
In the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until aromatic. The onion should become translucent and the garlic fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4:
Incorporate the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and julienned carrot, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become crisp-tender. Stir-fry the vegetables constantly to ensure they cook evenly. You want the vegetables to be tender but still retain some crispness.
Step 5:
Return the reserved chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce. The soy sauce adds umami and saltiness, the oyster sauce adds richness and depth of flavor, the sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, the black pepper adds a touch of spice, and the crushed red pepper flakes add heat.
Step 6:
If a thicker consistency is desired, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the pan, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce thickens. The cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy appearance and coating the ingredients more effectively.
Step 7:
Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables will retain their crispness and the flavors will be at their peak.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a recipe you’ll fall in love with because it offers a multitude of benefits:
- Quick and Easy: In today’s fast-paced world, time is of the essence. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins and fiber from the vegetables, this stir-fry is a healthy and well-balanced meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking. Add broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms, and adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses common and affordable ingredients, making it a great option for those on a budget.
- Flavorful: The combination of savory soy sauce, rich oyster sauce, and aromatic sesame oil creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Noodles: Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles, for a heartier dish.
- Quinoa: For a healthier alternative to rice, serve the stir-fry over quinoa.
- Spring Rolls: Serve the stir-fry as a filling for spring rolls or lettuce wraps.
- Side Dish: Serve as a side dish to complement other Asian-inspired dishes.
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all the vegetables and dice the chicken ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- High Heat: Stir-fries are best cooked over high heat to ensure the vegetables cook quickly and retain their crispness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steamed rather than stir-fried ingredients.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for richness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Garnish: Garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories:
350 kcal
Protein:
30 g
Sodium:
800 mg
Conclusion
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a versatile, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its quick cooking time, customizable ingredients, and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce in every bite!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
A: Absolutely! One of the great things about stir-fries is their versatility. You can easily substitute or add other vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and bok choy are all excellent additions. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce alternative, which can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. You can also add more vegetables or plant-based protein sources like edamame or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Q3: How can I adjust the spice level of this stir-fry?
A: The spice level of this stir-fry can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. If you like it mild, omit the crushed red pepper flakes altogether. For a medium spice level, use the amount specified in the recipe. If you prefer it spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil. You can also add a sliced fresh chili pepper to the stir-fry while cooking the vegetables for an extra kick.
Q4: Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?
A: While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time during cooking. Chop the vegetables and dice the chicken in advance and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. You can also mix the sauce ingredients together and store them in a jar. However, it’s best to cook the stir-fry just before serving to ensure the vegetables retain their crispness.
Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or stir-fry them in a pan over medium heat until heated through. Keep in mind that the vegetables may lose some of their crispness upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
