Easy Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

An easy chicken and cabbage stir fry is a quick, nutritious dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with the crisp texture of cabbage, all brought together with a flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

FOR THE STIR FRY:

• Chicken Breast: 2 large, thinly sliced
• Cabbage: 1 small head, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
• Carrot: 1 large, julienned
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 inch piece, minced
• Green Onions: 2-3, chopped
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon for flavor

FOR THE SAUCE:

• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, can use hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor)
• Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry

Instructions:

1. PREPARE INGREDIENTS:

• Slice and Dice: Prepare all your vegetables and chicken. Keeping everything ready before you start cooking is essential for stir fry since the cooking process is very fast.

2. MAKE THE SAUCE:

• Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

3. COOK CHICKEN:

• Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook Chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir fry until it’s nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. STIR FRY VEGETABLES:

• Add More Oil if Needed: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary.
• Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add Vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.

5. COMBINE CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES:

• Add Chicken Back: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
• Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
• Stir to Combine: Mix everything together and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor.

6. GARNISH AND SERVE:

• Add Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness.
• Serve: Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success:

• Cut Uniformly: Ensure that the chicken and vegetables are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• High Heat: Keep the heat high when stir-frying to get a good sear on the ingredients without overcooking them.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make this vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or just increasing the variety and quantity of vegetables.

Chicken and cabbage stir fry is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy this delightful mix of flavors and textures for a simple yet satisfying meal.