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Inspired by videochickencabbage

Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry

A savory, tangy stir-fry with tender chicken strips, sweet napa cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, all brought together by a glossy black vinegar sauce. The chicken gets a quick 15-minute rest in a simple soy-based marinade—no baking soda or cornstarch needed. Serve over steamed rice for a comforting weeknight meal.

Chicken and Cabbage Stir Fry by Cook! Stacey Cook — recipe photo

A savory, tangy stir-fry with tender chicken strips, sweet napa cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, all brought together by a glossy black vinegar sauce. The chicken gets a quick 15-minute rest in a simple soy-based marinade—no baking soda or cornstarch needed. Serve over steamed rice for a comforting weeknight meal.

15 min
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
40 min
Total time
4 servings
Yield

Ingredients

19 ingredients
Per serving280 kcal
Fat
12g
Carbs
14g
Protein
28g

Whole recipe (4 servings): 1120 kcal

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into 1/4-inch thick strips
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable), divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 oz (115 g) fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
  • 1 lb (450 g) napa cabbage, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 6 cups)
  • 2 green onions, sliced on the bias, for garnish
  • Steamed rice, for serving (optional)

Method

6 steps
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken strips with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1 tsp honey. Toss to coat, then let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. While the chicken rests, whisk together the cornstarch and chicken stock in a small bowl until completely smooth. Set aside. In another small bowl, stir together the black vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), 1 tsp honey, and white pepper. Set the sauce mixture near the stove.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 15 seconds until fragrant. Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes, until they begin to soften and brown. Add the napa cabbage and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted but still has some crunch. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and no longer pink on the outside. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Return the vegetables to the wok. Pour in the black vinegar sauce mixture and toss to coat. Stir the cornstarch-stock mixture again (it settles), then pour it into the wok. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and turns glossy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of stock or water; if too thin, simmer a few seconds more.
  6. Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice, if desired.

Recipe notes

Helpful tips

  • For extra vegetables, add thinly sliced bell peppers or snow peas with the cabbage.
  • If you don't have black vinegar, balsamic vinegar mixed with a splash of rice vinegar can substitute, though the flavor will differ.
  • Slice chicken while partially frozen for easier, thinner strips.

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork
  • Instant-read thermometer

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until steaming hot.

Additional tips

  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Use a clean plate for the cooked chicken if you need to hold it. The wok will be very hot; keep a lid nearby to smother any oil flare-ups.

Recipe inspiration

Inspired by Cook! Stacey Cook

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