Chinese Cabbage Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: A Satisfying Easy to Prepare Meal

Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a simple and delicious dish that you can easily prepare at home. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavourful and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

To make this dish, you will need chicken, Chinese cabbage, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a few other simple ingredients. You can also substitute the chicken with seafood such as prawns or scallops, which will add a unique flavour and texture to the dish. This recipe is also very versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe or a healthy meal option, this Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a great choice. With its delicious flavours and simple preparation, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal in no time. So why not give it a try tonight and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a quick and easy dish that you can prepare at home.
• You can substitute the chicken with seafood to add a unique flavour to the dish.
• This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients and Substitutions

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry, the ingredients you choose can make all the difference. Here are some tips on choosing the right ingredients and substitutions you can make to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Chicken Choices

For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even diced chicken tenders if you prefer. If you are a seafood lover, you can substitute the chicken with prawns or scallops to make a seafood stir fry.

Vegetable Varieties

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the Chinese cabbage, which can also be substituted with Napa cabbage or green cabbage. Carrots are also a great addition to this recipe, providing a pop of colour and sweetness. If you prefer, you can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms.

Sauce and Seasonings

A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil is used in this recipe to create a savoury and slightly sweet flavour. If you are vegetarian, you can substitute the oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom sauce. If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil instead. To add a bit of crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of your stir fry before serving.

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create a stir fry that is uniquely yours.

Nutritional Information

Health Benefits

Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a nutritious and healthy meal option. The dish is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also contains a good amount of fibre which helps in digestion. The cabbage used in the recipe is a good source of vitamin C, which helps in boosting the immune system. Vitamin A, calcium, and iron are also present in the dish, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.

Dietary Considerations

If you are watching your calorie intake, you will be happy to know that Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a low-calorie dish. One serving of the dish contains approximately 250 calories. The dish is also low in fat, with only 7 grams of fat per serving. However, if you are concerned about your sodium intake, you should be careful while adding soy sauce to the dish as it can be high in sodium. You can use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of soy sauce you add to the dish.

Seafood can also be used in this recipe as an alternative to chicken. Shrimp or prawns are great options as they cook quickly and complement the flavours of the dish. You can also use diced fish fillets such as cod or tilapia.

Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a healthy and delicious meal option that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Preparation Guide

Prep Time and Tips

Preparing ingredients is an essential part of cooking, and it is no different when making Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry. You will need to set aside about 15 minutes for the preparation of ingredients such as chicken, garlic, cabbage, and other vegetables.

Before you start, ensure that you have a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a wok or a large skillet. Start by washing and cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, mince the garlic and set it aside. Finally, wash and cut the cabbage and other vegetables into small pieces.

To save time, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can quickly put together the dish when you are ready to cook.

Cooking Techniques

When it comes to cooking Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, you will need to cook the chicken over high heat until it is caramelized. This will give it a crispy texture and a rich flavour.

Next, add the garlic and dried red chilies to the wok or skillet and turn down the heat to medium. Stir-fry for a minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Then, add the cabbage and other vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender.

Finally, season the dish with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add seafood such as shrimp or scallops to the stir fry for a delicious twist. If you decide to use seafood, ensure that it is cooked properly before adding it to the dish.

In total, the dish should take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. With these tips in mind, you can create a delicious and healthy Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry that will satisfy your taste buds.

Cooking Instructions

Stir Fry Steps

To start, heat up a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly. Once the oil is hot, add thinly sliced chicken breast and stir-fry until it is no longer pink.

Next, add chopped green onions to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another minute. Then, add in the chopped Chinese cabbage and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to wilt.

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of water to make the sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cabbage in the pan and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce is evenly distributed and the chicken and cabbage are cooked to your liking.

Final Touches

Once the stir-fry is cooked, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavour.

This Chinese cabbage chicken stir-fry recipe is perfect as a side dish to a main course or as a light lunch. Serve it with steamed rice to complete your meal.

If you want to switch things up, you could also try adding some seafood to this recipe. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this stir-fry, adding a nice seafood flavour to the dish. Just make sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before adding it to the stir-fry.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

A Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. To make the meal more filling, you can serve it with steamed rice. Brown rice is a healthier option that will complement the dish well. You can also add some noodles to the stir fry to make it more substantial.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can pair the stir fry with a fresh salad. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will complement the flavours of the dish well. You can also serve the stir fry with some steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots or asparagus.

Presentation Tips

One of the best things about a Chinese cabbage chicken stir fry is that it is a one-pan dish that is easy to prepare and serve. To make the dish more visually appealing, you can garnish it with some chopped spring onions or coriander leaves. You can also top it with some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. You can also use the leftovers to make a delicious lunch by packing it in a container with some steamed rice.

If you want to experiment with the recipe, you can try adding some seafood to the stir fry. Shrimp or prawns would be a great addition to the dish. You can also use some fish fillets like cod or tilapia. Simply add the seafood to the pan along with the chicken and cabbage and cook until the seafood is cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to slice cabbage for a stir fry?

To slice cabbage for a stir fry, you should first remove the tough outer leaves and then cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, slice each half into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. This will allow the cabbage to cook evenly and quickly in the stir fry.

Can you suggest a simple chicken and cabbage stir fry method?

Yes, a simple method is to first stir fry the chicken in oil until it is cooked through and then set it aside. Next, stir fry the cabbage and any other vegetables you like, such as carrots or bell peppers. Finally, add the chicken back to the wok and toss everything together with your sauce of choice.

What veggies pair well with chicken in a stir fry besides cabbage?

In addition to cabbage, other vegetables that pair well with chicken in a stir fry include carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, and mushrooms. You can also add some spice with sliced chili peppers or ginger.

How do you keep chicken moist and tender in a stir fry?

To keep chicken moist and tender in a stir fry, it's important to not overcook it. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, and remove it from the wok as soon as it is cooked through. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before cooking to help keep it tender.

What are some healthy alternatives to soy sauce for a chicken cabbage stir fry?

Some healthy alternatives to soy sauce for a chicken cabbage stir fry include coconut aminos, tamari sauce, or a homemade sauce made from vegetable broth, vinegar, and spices. These alternatives are lower in sodium and can add a unique flavor to your stir fry.

Is there a vegetarian substitute for chicken in a cabbage stir fry?

Yes, you can use tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian substitute for chicken in a cabbage stir fry. Alternatively, you can add some protein with beans, such as chickpeas or black beans. For seafood lovers, shrimp or scallops can be added as well.