Description

This soul-soothing chicken cabbage stir fry is the perfect quick weeknight meal. It features tender, velveted chicken breast, crisp napa cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, all brought together by a savory, flavor-forward ginger and sesame glaze. It is a healthy, budget-friendly dish that balances textures and nutritious ingredients while coming together in under thirty minutes. The technique ensures juicy chicken every time, making it a reliable favorite for any household seeking a clean, restaurant-quality stir fry experience without any heavy sauces or long wait times.

Ingredients

1.25 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp water
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp coarse sea salt
2 tbsp olive oil
1/8 tsp white pepper
1 1/2 tsp tapioca starch
6 large garlic cloves, finely minced
1 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
3 scallions, white and green parts separated
6 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1.5 lb napa cabbage, roughly chopped
2 to 2 1/2 tbsp avocado oil
1/2 tbsp chicken broth
Toasted sesame oil for finishing
1 tbsp light soy sauce (for sauce)
1 tbsp chicken stock (for sauce)
1 1/2 to 2 tsp sugar (for sauce)
2 tsp aged balsamic vinegar (for sauce)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil (for sauce)
1 tsp tapioca starch (for sauce)

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, salt, olive oil, pepper, and tapioca starch. Let sit while prepping vegetables.
In a small bowl, whisk together the stir-fry sauce ingredients: soy sauce, stock, sugar, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, and starch.
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add avocado oil and sear the chicken until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add a little oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and scallion whites until fragrant.
Add shiitake mushrooms and cabbage, stir-frying until cabbage is crisp-tender.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Pour in the stir-fry sauce and the chicken broth for deglazing. Toss everything rapidly until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Finish with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and the chopped scallion greens before serving.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Use high heat throughout the process to get a quick sear without overcooking the cabbage. Do not skip the velveting step, as it is key to the silky texture of the chicken.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 10
Category: Dinner
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired