Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

This Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken and crisp cabbage tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. It is an easy Asian-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes.

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The secret to this stir-fry lies in the aromatic base of fresh garlic and ginger, combined with a perfectly balanced sauce made from soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. This cooking technique ensures the vegetables stay vibrant and crisp-tender while the chicken remains tender and succulent.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 small head green cabbage (about 600 g / 1.3 lbs), cored and thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, and sugar. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Step 5

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6

Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice or noodles.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a smooth cooking process, have all your vegetables sliced and the sauce mixed before you turn on the heat. Stir-frying happens very quickly, and having everything ready prevents the aromatics from burning while you prep the next ingredient.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by swapping the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce. If you require a gluten-free version, use tamari and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are certified gluten-free.

Serviervorschläge

This savory stir-fry is best served hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or tossed with your favorite noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

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With 29g of protein and only 260 calories per serving, this Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a balanced and healthy addition to your recipe rotation. It’s a versatile staple that simplifies healthy eating without sacrificing deep, savory flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To ensure this stir-fry is gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari. Also, carefully check the labels of your oyster and hoisin sauces, as many brands contain wheat. Opt for certified gluten-free versions of these sauces.

→ Are there other protein options besides chicken?

Absolutely! This stir-fry is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the chicken for thinly sliced pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.

→ What are the best serving suggestions for this stir-fry?

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a lighter option.

→ How can I add more heat or spiciness to the dish?

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture. You can also garnish the finished dish with freshly sliced chilies or a drizzle of chili oil.

→ What type of cabbage works best in this stir-fry?

Green cabbage is traditionally used and holds up well to stir-frying, maintaining a pleasant crisp-tender texture. Napa cabbage or even savoy cabbage could also be used, offering slightly different textures and mild flavors.

→ Can I prepare any ingredients in advance?

Yes, to save time, you can slice all the vegetables and protein a day ahead. Whisk together the sauce ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes for an even quicker cooking process on a busy weeknight.