Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Dinner

Savory and quick chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry brings together a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender meat in a delightful culinary performance.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Fragrant ginger and garlic create an aromatic foundation that promises deliciousness.

Lightweight yet satisfying, the dish combines protein and greens in a balanced harmony.

Simple ingredients come together with surprising ease, making cooking feel like a breeze.

We bet you’ll fall in love with this simple, scrumptious meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

What Makes Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry So Flavorful

Tips That Ensure Your Stir-Fry Turns Out Perfectly
  • Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Combine lean protein from chicken with nutrient-packed cabbage, creating a balanced and healthy one-pan meal that supports your wellness goals.
  • Master Stir-Fry Techniques: Learn authentic Chinese cooking methods that transform basic ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful dish with perfect texture and professional-level results.
  • Family-Friendly Fusion: Craft a crowd-pleasing recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, offering a mild yet exciting flavor profile that introduces diverse culinary experiences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides the main source of meat in this stir-fry dish.
For the Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and authentic flavor to the Chinese-style stir-fry.
For the Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, salty umami base for the sauce.
  • Oyster Sauce: Adds a complex, slightly sweet and savory flavor to the dish.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Create a smooth, thickening agent for the sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the stir-fry.
For the Vegetables:
  • Chinese Cabbage: Adds a light, crisp texture and nutritional value to the stir-fry.
For the Cooking Liquid:
  • Vegetable Oil: Serves as a cooking medium for stir-frying ingredients at high heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water until smoothly blended. Set this magical sauce mixture aside to work its flavor magic later.

Step 2: Fire Up the Wok

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Drop in minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with an incredible aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Toss chicken strips into the wok, spreading them out to ensure maximum browning. Cook and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes until the meat develops a beautiful golden color and starts to look irresistible.

Step 4: Welcome the Cabbage

Add Chinese cabbage to the wok, stirring and tossing rapidly for another 2-3 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften slightly but maintain a delightful crunch that provides textural excitement.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and cabbage. Stir-fry enthusiastically for 1 minute, watching the sauce transform and coat every single morsel with glossy, flavorful goodness.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, giving a final quick toss. Plate this delectable stir-fry immediately alongside steamed rice for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips That Ensure Your Stir-Fry Turns Out Perfectly

Tips That Ensure Your Stir-Fry Turns Out Perfectly
  • Create a flavorful sauce base by whisking cornstarch into the liquid ingredients to ensure a silky, glossy coating for the chicken and cabbage.
  • Cut chicken into uniform strips for even cooking and quick stir-frying, preventing any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
  • Keep the cabbage slightly crunchy by stir-frying briefly, maintaining its fresh texture and nutritional value.
  • Use high heat and a wok for authentic wok hei flavor, which adds depth and smokiness to the dish.
  • Select fresh, crisp Chinese cabbage for the best taste and texture in this quick and easy stir-fry.

Different Variations to Spice Up Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative, maintaining the same cooking technique and sauce.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before stir-frying to achieve a similar protein-packed meal.
  • Spicy Sichuan Style: Add chili oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns to create a fiery version with bold, numbing heat.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm oyster sauce is gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for those with wheat sensitivities.

Ideal Pairings to Enjoy with Chinese Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Savor Umami-Rich Sake Pairing: Crisp, dry sake complements the stir-fry's savory notes, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its delicate ginger and garlic undertones.
  • Boost Flavor with Green Tea: Light, grassy green tea provides a refreshing contrast to the salty soy sauce, cleansing the palate between bites and balancing the chicken's hearty protein.
  • Elevate with Jasmine Rice Bed: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the stir-fry's flavorful sauce, creating a perfect base that soaks up the dish's aromatic juices and provides a soft textural complement.

Proper Methods to Store Leftover Chicken Stir-Fry Safely

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the stir-fry separate from rice to maintain its crisp texture.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Quickly revive the stir-fry in a hot wok or skillet with a splash of oil, stirring rapidly for 2-3 minutes to restore its original sizzling texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce for heat.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for variety.

  • What type of cabbage works best?

Napa cabbage or green cabbage are ideal for this stir-fry, providing great texture and flavor.

  • Do I need a wok to make this recipe?

While a wok is traditional, a large skillet can work just as well for stir-frying.

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Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers authentic Asian flavors in minutes. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance together, creating a quick, delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken breast

Vegetables:

  • 1 small Chinese cabbage
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch ginger

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Create a flavorful sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water in a small mixing vessel. Reserve for later use.
  2. Ignite a wok with vegetable oil over intense heat, reaching a sizzling temperature around 400°F.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, rapidly stirring for approximately 30 seconds until aromatic notes emerge.
  4. Slide chicken strips into the wok, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown exterior for 2-3 minutes while occasionally rotating.
  5. Incorporate shredded Chinese cabbage, tossing vigorously for 2-3 minutes until leaves transform from crisp to slightly tender with a delicate crunch.
  6. Stream the prepared sauce across the wok’s surface, continuously agitating ingredients to ensure comprehensive coating and sauce thickening within 1 minute.
  7. Calibrate seasoning with strategic pinches of salt and freshly cracked pepper to elevate flavor profile.
  8. Transfer the vibrant stir-fry immediately to serving plates, accompanying with steamed rice for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by marinating chicken strips in soy sauce and ginger for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
  • Keep vegetables crisp by cooking on high heat and not overcrowding the wok, allowing ingredients to sear quickly and retain their texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for increased nutrition and color variation in the stir-fry.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 198 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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