Discover the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition with this vibrant Chicken and Chinese Cabbage Stir-Fry. A quick, easy, and wholesome dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen, promising a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) chicken breast, sliced
- 1 small Chinese cabbage (or bok choy), thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small piece of fresh ginger (2 cm / 0.8 inches), grated
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil (peanut, sunflower, etc.)
- 2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Ingredient Preparation
- Thinly slice the Chinese cabbage into uniform strips.
- Cut chicken breast into thin, even strips.
- Chop garlic and grate fresh ginger.
- Julienne carrots if using (cutting into thin, matchstick-like pieces).
2. Cooking the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add chicken strips, sprinkle with black pepper and a splash of soy sauce.
- Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-Frying the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add remaining oil.
- Quickly sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add carrots (if using) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Chinese cabbage and continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted but still crisp.
4. Bringing the Dish Together
- Return cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Stir-fry everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Ensure all ingredients are well-coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serving
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 12g
Why This Recipe is a Healthy Culinary Delight
This stir-fry is a nutritional powerhouse that combines lean protein from chicken with the incredible health benefits of Chinese cabbage. Low in calories and high in nutrients, it provides an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. The quick cooking method preserves the vegetables’ crisp texture and nutritional value, while the minimal oil usage makes it a heart-healthy option.
Pro Tip: For added protein and variety, you can substitute chicken with tofu or add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.