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Chinese Chicken & Cabbage Stir-Fry – Fast, Fresh & Flavorful!


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 25 min

Description

A quick, colorful stir-fry that delivers bold Chinese flavors with minimal prep. Juicy chicken strips are seared and tossed with crisp cabbage, garlic, and a savory soy-ginger sauce for a healthy and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

For the stir-fry:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage

  • 1 carrot, julienned

  • 2 green onions, sliced

For the sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp water


Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, toss sliced chicken with cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Let sit while prepping vegetables and sauce.

2️⃣ Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and water. Set aside.

3️⃣ Stir-fry chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet.

4️⃣ Cook veggies: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, cabbage, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cabbage softens slightly but still has some crunch.

5️⃣ Combine and toss: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until well coated and heated through.

6️⃣ Finish and serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot, with steamed rice or noodles if desired.

Notes

  • Cabbage Variety: Green cabbage is classic, but Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage work beautifully for a softer texture.

  • Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, tofu, or even ground meat for variation.

  • Add Heat: Add sliced red chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce if you prefer a spicier stir-fry.

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby bok choy can be added for more color and nutrition.

  • Low-Sodium Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt levels in the dish.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats quickly, making it ideal for lunchboxes or weeknight leftovers.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min