Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Introduction

This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s packed with tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a savory garlic butter sauce that will satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound chicken breast, diced
2 cups cabbage, chopped
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 carrot, julienned
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
5. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your quick and flavorful Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. The total time from prep to table is approximately 30 minutes, with about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
• Vegetable Mix: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry in a skillet until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding them to the stir-fry.
2. What can I serve with this dish? This stir-fry is excellent over steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa.
3. Is oyster sauce necessary? No, it’s optional. You can omit it or substitute with hoisin sauce for a different flavor.
4. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, use tofu and skip the chicken and oyster sauce.
5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink in the center.
6. What if I don’t have sesame oil? You can use vegetable oil or olive oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.
7. Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can chop the vegetables and chicken in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
8. How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
9. Can I add more garlic? Absolutely! Feel free to add extra garlic for a more robust flavor.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Stir-frying them in a skillet is the best way to maintain the texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and convenient dish that brings together vibrant flavors and textures in just a short amount of time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Enjoy this quick and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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