Tangy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe For Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hunger without endless prep time.

This authentic chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry recipe delivers a punch of robust Asian flavors in under 30 minutes.

Crisp cabbage and tender chicken dance together in a wok, creating a delightful melody of textures and tastes.

The sizzling combination promises a delectable meal that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Beijing.

Fresh ingredients and a handful of simple seasonings transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.

Fragrant garlic and ginger infuse each bite with depth and warmth.

Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice and watch as smiles light up around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Soy Sauce: Provides the classic umami depth and saltiness, choosing a high-quality dark variety enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds rich, savory undertones with a subtle sweetness, selecting a premium brand ensures better taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a bright, tangy element that balances the dish's richness, look for clear, clean-tasting versions.
• Hoisin Sauce: Optional ingredient that brings sweet and robust flavors, select authentic Chinese brands for best results.
• Cornstarch: Creates silky sauce texture and helps thicken the mixture, ensuring smooth coating on ingredients.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers gentle heat and subtle spiciness, adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh boneless skinless cuts for quick cooking.

• Cabbage, Carrots: Provide crisp texture and nutritional boost, select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic, Ginger, Onion: Aromatic base that builds foundational flavor, choose firm, fresh specimens without blemishes.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish adding bright, mild onion notes, select crisp stalks with bright green tops.
• Sesame Seeds: Optional topping offering nutty crunch and visual appeal, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.

Utensils To Use For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Wok or Large Skillet: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying and ensuring even cooking of chicken and vegetables.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together sauce ingredients and keeping them ready.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce components smoothly without lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables precisely.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cutting chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure sauce ingredients for balanced flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and moving ingredients around during cooking.

Making Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Without Fuss

• Sauce Preparation

Blend together a zesty mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of hoisin sauce. Whisk in cornstarch and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

• Chicken Sizzle

Heat oil in a sizzling hot skillet. Toss in chicken slices and cook until they turn golden and crispy, creating a delightful caramelized exterior.

• Veggie Dance

In the same pan, awaken the flavors of garlic, ginger, and onion. Tumble in fresh cabbage and carrots, letting them twirl and soften while maintaining a beautiful crunch.

• Flavor Fusion

Reunite the chicken with the vibrant vegetables. Drench everything in the prepared sauce, allowing it to embrace each morsel and create a glossy, mouthwatering coating.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds for a burst of color and texture. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Flavor Tips For Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Quick Cooking Hacks: Crispy Chicken Perfection
• High Heat Trick: Ensure your wok or skillet is super hot before adding chicken to get those delicious golden-brown edges that lock in flavor and create a restaurant-quality sear.
• Veggie Texture Magic: Cut cabbage and carrots into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and maintain that perfect crisp-tender texture that makes stir-fries irresistible.
• Protein Power Swaps: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean beef for a versatile dish that adapts to different protein preferences without losing the authentic Asian-inspired taste.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to transform this stir-fry into a keto-friendly meal that's packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Meal Prep Mastermind: This stir-fry keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinner prep that stays fresh and delicious.

Simple Ways To Serve Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Pair this stir-fry with fluffy steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete, hearty meal that fills everyone's plate with comfort.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the dish into a nutritious bowl by serving over quinoa or cauliflower rice, adding extra protein and creating a low-carb alternative for health-conscious eaters.
• Fresh Crunch Topping: Sprinkle some toasted cashews or sliced almonds on top for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Asian-Inspired Side Dish: Complement the stir-fry with quick pickled cucumber salad or simple edamame for a refreshing contrast that balances the warm, savory flavors of the main course.

How To Store Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Without Drying It Out

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerated stir-fry stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly contained.
• Freezing Techniques: Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Flatten contents to reduce air exposure. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to one month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Method: Warm leftovers in skillet over medium heat to restore crispy texture. Add splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir continuously for even heating. Microwave works as quick alternative, but may soften vegetables slightly.
• Smart Meal Prep Tip: Chop vegetables and prepare sauce in advance. Store separately in refrigerator for quick weeknight assembly. Chicken can be pre-cooked and portioned earlier, reducing total cooking time when ready to make stir-fry.

Crispy Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Quick and delicious chinese chicken cabbage stir-fry brings authentic Asian flavors to your kitchen. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken create a perfect balance of textures and seasonings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 4 cups green or Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsps vegetable or sesame oil
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Chopped green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Blend soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl, creating a complex seasoning mixture that will infuse the dish with depth and complexity.
2. Protein Cooking: Heat a large skillet over medium-high, adding oil to sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside, preserving its succulent texture and flavor.
3. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until their fragrances become robust and permeating, establishing a flavor base for the stir-fry.
4. Vegetable Integration: Add cabbage and carrots to the skillet, rapidly stirring to maintain their crisp texture while ensuring even heat distribution and caramelization.
5. Final Harmonization: Return chicken to the skillet, pour prepared sauce over the mixture, and gently toss to coat every ingredient thoroughly. Allow sauce to thicken and create a glossy, unified coating.
6. Plating and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Cut: Slice chicken against the grain into thin, uniform pieces for tender, quick-cooking meat that absorbs flavors evenly and ensures consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Control Wok Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning ingredients, creating a golden-brown exterior on chicken and crisp vegetable edges while preserving their natural crunch.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Adjust cornstarch quantity carefully to create a glossy, clingy sauce that coats ingredients smoothly without becoming too thick or watery, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily transform recipe by substituting chicken with tofu for vegetarian version, using tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, or adding extra vegetables for increased nutritional density and variety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg