A favorite in many Chinese households, Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious, quick-cook dish known for its light yet flavorful profile. It combines lean protein with fiber-rich vegetables, delivering a nourishing, low-calorie meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re cooking on a weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes — it’s fast, healthy, and extremely versatile.
Unlike heavy sauces or deep-fried dishes often found in takeout, this recipe highlights the freshness of ingredients. With a quick stir-fry technique and simple ingredients, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.
Mastering the art of stir-frying isn’t hard when you follow a few essential tips. You’ll want to work with high heat, prep everything ahead of time, and use a proper sauce-to-ingredient ratio.
What You Need to Make Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh
- Napa or green cabbage, shredded
- Fresh ginger and garlic
- Soy sauce (low-sodium)
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Optional: bell pepper, shredded carrot, green onions, sesame seeds
Kitchen Tools:
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife for thin slicing
- Mixing bowl for sauce
- Spatula or wooden spoon for stir-frying
Cooking Instructions
- Make the stir-fry sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, a dash of water, and cornstarch (optional for thickening).
- Prep the chicken: Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Heat the pan: Add vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Stir-fry until lightly browned and just cooked through.
- Add aromatics: Toss in ginger and garlic — stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and veggies: Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted but still crisp.
- Pour in the sauce: Stir until evenly coated and slightly thickened.
- Finish with sesame oil and top with green onions or sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your stir-fry with:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Low-carb cauliflower rice
- Flat rice noodles or egg noodles
- Lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly twist
Why Cabbage is the Star
Chinese cabbage (also known as Napa cabbage) is not only mild and crunchy, but also:
- High in vitamin C and K
- Rich in antioxidants
- A great source of dietary fiber
- Low in calories but filling
Variations & Customizations
- Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef
- Add heat with chili paste or crushed red pepper
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or soy-free options
- Stir in mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy for added texture
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat on the stove for best results
- Freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 2 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use green cabbage instead of Napa cabbage?
Yes! Just increase the cook time slightly since green cabbage is denser.
How can I keep the chicken tender?
Slice it thinly and against the grain, and avoid overcooking.
Can I add noodles?
Absolutely. Cooked rice noodles or lo mein work great tossed in during the final step.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can add chili oil or fresh chilies if you like it hot.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect recipe to add to your weekly rotation. It’s nutritious, endlessly adaptable, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re new to Asian cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ready to cook? Get your skillet hot and let the aroma of ginger and garlic fill your kitchen. You’ll be hooked after the first bite.