How to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal
Stir fries are the ultimate solution for quick, healthy, and satisfying meals. Packed with vegetables, protein, and rich flavors, they’re a great way to enjoy a balanced meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Today, we’ll take you through a delicious recipe for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory sauce that ties everything together.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and can be adapted to your taste. With a few staple ingredients, you’ll have a nutritious dinner ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: It’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and healthy vegetables.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add more veggies based on what you have in your fridge.
- Delicious: The combination of chicken, cabbage, and a savory oyster sauce-based sauce gives the dish a rich, satisfying flavor.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious stir fry:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ½ jalapeño pepper, finely diced
- 1 orange pepper, diced
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making this recipe a breeze to prepare. The oyster sauce and soy sauce add a deep umami flavor, while the cabbage provides a nice crunch and adds fiber to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prep all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and ensures everything is cooked evenly.
- Slice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Shred the cabbage by slicing it thinly. You can use a knife, mandoline, or food processor to shred it quickly.
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the jalapeño and orange pepper.
This prep will take only a few minutes, and then you’ll be ready to start cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a light golden brown on the outside.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, without wiping it clean (this retains all the flavor from the chicken), add the sliced onion.
- Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, diced jalapeño, and orange pepper, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
4. Add the Cabbage
Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the shredded cabbage.
- Add the cabbage to the skillet and stir everything together to ensure the cabbage is evenly distributed with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken stock and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes. The cabbage should wilt and become tender, but still have a slight crunch.
5. Combine and Season
Now that the cabbage is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Stir everything together to combine the chicken and vegetables.
- Add the oyster sauce and soy sauce, mixing thoroughly so that the sauce evenly coats the ingredients.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let the stir fry cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and the sauce has slightly thickened, remove the stir fry from the heat.
- Serve it hot, either as a standalone dish or over a bed of steamed rice, brown rice, or even noodles for a heartier meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Rice or Noodles: Serve the stir fry with steamed white rice, brown rice, or lo mein noodles for a more filling meal.
- Add a Side: Complement your stir fry with a side of fried rice or a simple light soup for a balanced, satisfying dinner.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the stir fry has cooled completely before storing it.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. For best results, freeze the stir fry without rice or noodles.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave: Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stir Fry
1. Use High Heat
Cooking stir fry over high heat helps the vegetables stay crisp and ensures the chicken gets a nice golden-brown color. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Prep Everything First
Since stir fry cooks quickly, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on cooking and avoid burning any ingredients.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If you’re making a larger batch, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the heat and result in steamed, rather than seared, chicken.
4. Customize the Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more variety and nutrients. Stir fry is incredibly versatile, so you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Variations to Try
1. Vegetarian Stir Fry
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and replace the oyster sauce with hoisin or a plant-based sauce.
2. Spicy Stir Fry
Kick up the heat by adding more jalapeño or a spicier chili like serrano or Thai chili peppers. You can also drizzle sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra spice.
3. Low-Carb Option
Skip the rice or noodles and serve the stir fry on its own for a low-carb, high-protein meal. For a healthier alternative, you can serve it over cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of sliced chicken breasts?
Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute. Simply brown the ground chicken in the skillet before adding the vegetables.
2. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave when ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely! Napa cabbage, savoy cabbage, or red cabbage are all great alternatives. They may have slightly different textures but will work well in the stir fry.
4. How do I shred the cabbage?
You can shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or use a mandoline slicer for quicker results. A food processor with a shredding attachment will also do the job.
5. Can I freeze the stir fry?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a nutritious and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a healthy meal packed with veggies, this stir fry will become a staple in your kitchen. With plenty of variations and customization options, you can make it your own. Enjoy!