Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and healthy. With tender chicken breast, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant carrots, this stir-fry is full of texture and packed with bold, savory flavors. The soy sauce and sesame oil marinade add a touch of umami, while the garlic and ginger bring a fresh, aromatic kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is easy to make, satisfying, and customizable to suit your taste.
Stir-fries like this one are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a lighter dinner option or need something quick to feed your family, this stir-fry checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich cabbage, and fresh vegetables.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger delivers a savory, aromatic punch.
- Customizable: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes for a delicious lunch or dinner that can be stored and reheated easily.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
- Shredded cabbage
- Carrot, julienned
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a little chili paste or red pepper flakes to spice things up if you like heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Noodle Stir Fry: Toss the stir-fry with cooked rice noodles for a heartier meal.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the bowl and marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, shred the cabbage and julienne the carrot. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Step 6: Season and Stir in Green Onions
Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: To ensure the chicken gets browned, make sure the skillet isn’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry before serving and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Prep the Veggies: To save time, prep the vegetables while the chicken is marinating.
- Add Protein Variety: You can also add shrimp, pork, or beef in place of chicken for a different protein option.
How to Serve
This stir-fry is best served over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. It also makes a great side dish for a larger Asian-inspired feast. You can garnish the dish with additional chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of hoisin sauce for added flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing
This stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a skillet.
Reheating
Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and provide extra flavor due to their higher fat content. - Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the mix for added flavor and color. - How do I make this stir-fry spicier?
Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick. - Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil or even olive oil if preferred. - Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage is recommended, but if you’re using frozen, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and well-drained before adding to the skillet. - Can I use coconut oil instead of sesame oil?
While sesame oil adds a distinct flavor, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for a different taste. - What type of rice is best for serving?
Jasmine rice or white rice works best with this stir-fry, but brown rice is a great healthier alternative. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh to make the dish vegetarian. - Can I use bottled ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, bottled ginger paste is a convenient option and can be used in place of fresh ginger. - How can I make this dish more filling?
Add more rice or noodles to the stir-fry to make it a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic ginger and garlic makes this meal a hit. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or a quick meal for the family, this stir-fry is sure to satisfy.
Print
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant vegetables. The savory soy sauce and sesame oil marinade infuse the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor. It’s a perfect stir-fry option that’s light yet satisfying—great served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil. Add the chicken slices and marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken slices to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped green onions.
- Serve the stir fry hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes