Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

A quick, flavorful, and easy stir-fry made with tender chicken, crisp cabbage, garlic, and a savory Asian-style sauce. Perfect for a fast lunch or dinner!

 Ingredients

For the stir-fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small Chinese/Napa cabbage or green cabbage, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated or minced (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 small red chili, sliced (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp cooking oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for a thicker sauce)

This combination of chicken, cabbage, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil is a common Chinese-style stir-fry approach.

 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. Season lightly with black pepper.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry if using.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan.
4. Cook the aromatics: Add a little more oil if needed. Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 2–4 minutes. Keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together.
7. Finish cooking: Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the chicken and cabbage are evenly coated and the sauce lightly thickens.
8. Garnish and serve: Add the green onion tops and optional red chili. Serve hot on its own or with rice or noodles.

 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

 Nut Information

This recipe contains no tree nuts or peanuts as written. However, sesame oil and sesame seeds are not tree nuts, though sesame can be an allergen for some people. Always check the labels on soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other packaged ingredients for possible allergen or cross-contact information.

 Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will make the stir-fry extra juicy.

Q: Can I use regular green cabbage?
Absolutely. Napa cabbage cooks faster and becomes softer, while green cabbage stays crunchier.

Q: How do I make it spicy?
Add sliced fresh chili, chili flakes, or chili garlic sauce.

Q: Can I make it without oyster sauce?
Yes. Use extra soy sauce to taste, or substitute with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?
It can be a balanced, protein-rich meal. Using lean chicken, plenty of cabbage, and low-sodium soy sauce can help keep it lighter.