This Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together tender cabbage, savory ground chicken, and a perfectly balanced sauce. It’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers bold taste with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is packed with flavor while staying light and nutritious. The combination of crisp-tender cabbage and juicy ground chicken makes it hearty yet healthy. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for family meals or meal prep. Plus, this Cabbage Stir Fry can be served on its own or paired with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (divided)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 small cabbage (1–1½ pounds), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound ground chicken (or lean ground beef or turkey)
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 small bunch green onions, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked brown rice or rice noodles (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and ground cloves.
- In another bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup.
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Stir in remaining soy sauce and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in cabbage and carrots, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Pour in the sauce and spice mixture. Cover and cook for 1 minute until cabbage is tender but still crisp.
- Add green onions, cilantro, and cooked chicken. Stir and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Serve the Cabbage Stir Fry hot with rice or noodles if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice cabbage thinly for even cooking and better texture.
- Use ground turkey or beef for variation.
- Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing red pepper flakes.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a low-carb option, skip rice and enjoy it on its own.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly, dairy-free
Notes
- Substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- Add a splash of broth for extra moisture if needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I make this Cabbage Stir Fry vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground chicken with tofu or plant-based crumbles.
How do I keep cabbage from getting soggy?
Cook it briefly over high heat and avoid overcooking.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely, it saves time and works well.
What sauce variations can I try?
You can add hoisin sauce or a bit of oyster-style sauce (halal version).
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Cabbage Stir Fry with Ground Chicken
Ingredients
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce divided
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 small cabbage 1–1½ pounds, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 pound ground chicken or lean ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 small bunch green onions chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Cooked brown rice or rice noodles optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and ground cloves.
- In another bowl, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup.
- Slice the cabbage into thin strips and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Stir in remaining soy sauce and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in cabbage and carrots, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Pour in the sauce and spice mixture. Cover and cook for 1 minute until cabbage is tender but still crisp.
- Add green onions, cilantro, and cooked chicken. Stir and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Serve the Cabbage Stir Fry hot with rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- Add a splash of broth for extra moisture if needed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
Conclusion
This Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.