Description
A vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly quick chicken and cabbage stir fry, perfect for busy weeknights. This Cabbage Stir Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, and a savory, umami-rich sauce, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil), divided
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to marinate while you prepare other ingredients. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 cup water or chicken broth) until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Once shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains a tender-crisp texture.
Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cabbage. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk to recombine any settled cornstarch, then pour it over the chicken and cabbage. Toss everything together rapidly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings to the ingredients.
Step 6: Remove the Cabbage Stir Fry from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
For best results, make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding, which can steam ingredients instead of stir-frying them. Don't overcook the cabbage; it should remain tender-crisp. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg