Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Light Mediterranean-Style Weeknight Stir-Fry

Description

Tender chicken strips are quickly stir-fried with crisp cabbage, garlic, and ginger in a glossy soy-based sauce. This version keeps things lighter by using olive oil instead of heavy oils and balancing the flavors with a touch of lemon and herbs—ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a healthy dinner.


Ingredients

Stir-Fry

  • 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

  • 3 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for aroma)

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 green onions, sliced

  • 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but flavorful)

  • 1 tsp honey or brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp water

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Optional Garnish

  • Sesame seeds

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, water, pepper, and chili flakes. Set aside.

  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat olive oil and sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
    Add chicken and stir-fry 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
    In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Add cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

  4. Combine & Sauce
    Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss well.
    Cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.

  5. Finish & Serve
    Stir in green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot 🍽️


Serving Ideas

  • Serve over steamed rice or brown rice

  • Pair with noodles or cauliflower rice

  • Enjoy as a light, low-carb meal on its own


Q & A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and very flavorful—just slice thinly.

Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Mild by default. Add chili flakes or chili oil if you like heat.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and skip oyster sauce or use a GF version.

Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Absolutely. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a pan.

Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: Bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini work great.

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