Name: Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1.25 lb chicken breast; 1 tbsp coconut aminos; 1.5 tsp tapioca starch or potato starch (or cornstarch); ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp coarse sea salt, plus more for stir-fry; 2 tbsp olive oil; ⅛ tsp white pepper or black pepper (optional); 0.8 oz garlic cloves, finely minced (about 6 large cloves); 0.3 oz ginger, julienned (about 1.5 tbsp); 3 bulb scallions, sliced (separate white and green parts); 6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced; 1.5 lbs Napa cabbage, diced into 2-inch sections (separate stems from leaves); 2–2.5 tbsp avocado oil; 0.5 tbsp chicken broth; Drizzle toasted sesame oil; 2 tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce, see notes); 2 tsp aged balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 1 tsp tapioca starch; 0.5 tbsp Chinese rice wine or Michu (optional)

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This Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken, all tossed together in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. It’s perfect for those who crave authentic Asian flavors but want a quick, healthy dinner option that’s easy to prepare at home. The combination of Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, and aromatics like garlic and ginger creates a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. The chicken is marinated with tapioca starch and baking soda to keep it juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

This stir-fry uses coconut aminos, a popular soy sauce alternative, which adds a naturally sweet and salty depth without overpowering the other ingredients. The sauce is subtly enhanced with toasted sesame oil and aged balsamic vinegar, giving the dish a unique twist on traditional stir-fry flavors. It’s a versatile recipe suitable for weeknight meals or casual entertaining and works well served over steamed rice or noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Fresh Vegetables

The combination of Napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, and scallions adds crunch and nutrition.

2. Tender, Juicy Chicken

Marinating with tapioca starch and baking soda keeps the chicken incredibly tender.

3. Flavorful Sauce

A savory sauce with coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, and balsamic vinegar adds complexity.

4. Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

5. Healthy and Light

Uses healthy oils and minimal added sugar, making it a guilt-free dinner option.

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Ingredients

Chicken breast
Coconut aminos
Tapioca starch (or potato/cornstarch)
Baking soda
Coarse sea salt
Olive oil
White or black pepper (optional)
Garlic cloves, finely minced
Ginger, julienned
Scallions, sliced (separating white and green parts)
Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
Napa cabbage, diced (separating stems and leaves)
Avocado oil
Chicken broth
Toasted sesame oil
Aged balsamic vinegar
Chinese rice wine or Michu (optional)

Variations

Soy Sauce Option: Substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce for a traditional flavor.
Add Heat: Include red chili flakes or fresh sliced chili for a spicy kick.
Different Vegetables: Swap shiitake mushrooms for button mushrooms or add snap peas.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
Nutty Flavor: Add chopped toasted peanuts or cashews as a garnish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Slice the chicken breast thinly. In a bowl, combine chicken with coconut aminos, tapioca starch, baking soda, sea salt, and optional pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Prepare vegetables: mince garlic, julienne ginger, slice scallions separating white and green parts, slice mushrooms, and dice Napa cabbage separating stems and leaves.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add avocado oil. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and white parts of scallions until fragrant.

Step 5

Add shiitake mushrooms and Napa cabbage stems. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Return chicken to the pan. Add the Napa cabbage leaves, chicken broth, and stir-fry sauce (coconut aminos, balsamic vinegar, toasted sesame oil, tapioca starch mixed with Chinese rice wine if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Turn off heat and drizzle toasted sesame oil on top. Garnish with green parts of scallions before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice chicken thinly for even cooking and tenderness.
Separate Napa cabbage stems and leaves as they cook at different rates.
Use a hot pan and cook quickly to keep vegetables crisp-tender.
Mix tapioca starch with sauce ingredients for a smooth thickening effect.
Toast sesame oil is best added at the end to preserve its nutty aroma.

How to Serve

Serve this Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry hot over steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. It also pairs well with a simple side of sautéed greens or steamed dumplings. Garnish with extra scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos?

Yes, soy sauce works well as a substitute for a more traditional flavor.

2. What can I use if I don’t have tapioca starch?

Cornstarch or potato starch are good alternatives.

3. Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage or bok choy can be used but may affect cooking time and texture.

4. Is baking soda necessary for the chicken?

It helps tenderize the chicken but can be omitted if desired.

5. Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.

6. What kind of mushrooms work best?

Fresh shiitake mushrooms add great flavor but button or cremini mushrooms are fine substitutes.

7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and add during cooking.

8. How spicy is this dish?

It is mild by default; add chili flakes or fresh chili for heat.

9. What is Chinese rice wine?

A cooking wine used to enhance flavor, it is optional and can be omitted.

10. How can I thicken the sauce?

Mix tapioca starch with cold water before adding to the stir-fry for best results.

Conclusion

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that brings bold Asian flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. Packed with fresh vegetables and tender chicken in a savory sauce, it’s perfect for those seeking a balanced and flavorful dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite for its simplicity and delicious taste.