If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is an excellent choice. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy Chinese cabbage, and a savory sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips.
- Chinese Cabbage: 1 small Chinese cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 inch, peeled and grated.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for stir-frying.
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons for the sauce base.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon for a rich, umami flavor.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon for thickening the sauce.
- Water: 1/4 cup to make the sauce smooth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. Mix well until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
2. Heat the Wok:
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills the air.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken breast to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Ensure the chicken is in thin slices for even cooking.
4. Stir-Fry the Cabbage:
Add the chopped Chinese cabbage to the wok with the chicken. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The cabbage should become wilted but retain some crunch for texture.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and cabbage evenly.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information and Calories
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (4 servings total):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is high in protein, low in carbs, and rich in vitamins from the cabbage, making it a balanced and healthy meal.
FAQs About Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
1. Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Chinese Cabbage?
Absolutely! You can substitute Chinese cabbage with bok choy, Napa cabbage, or even regular green cabbage. Adding bell peppers or mushrooms can also enhance the flavor and texture.
2. Can I Use Dark Soy Sauce Instead of Regular Soy Sauce?
Yes, but keep in mind that dark soy sauce has a richer and sweeter flavor. You may want to reduce the quantity slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
3. How Do I Prevent the Chicken from Becoming Dry?
Ensure the wok is hot before adding the chicken and cook it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
4. Is Oyster Sauce Necessary?
Oyster sauce adds a unique umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a touch of sugar as a substitute.
5. Can This Dish Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or just soy sauce for the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry
- Prep Ingredients First: Stir-frying is a quick process, so have all your ingredients chopped and measured before you start.
- High Heat is Key: A hot wok ensures the vegetables stay crisp and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the ingredients.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines fresh ingredients and a savory sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. Its adaptability makes it a versatile recipe that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
Try it for your next dinner, and enjoy a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
