Stir-Fried Chicken with Chinese Cabbage and Snow Peas is a quick, delicious, and healthy dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. This stir-fry combines tender pieces of chicken breast with crisp vegetables like Chinese cabbage, snow peas, and water chestnuts, creating a colorful and nutrient-rich meal. With the addition of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and tomato paste, the dish develops a savory and slightly tangy sauce that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s also versatile, allowing you to add or substitute different vegetables and spices according to your preferences.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce (divided)
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar (divided)
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) canola oil (divided)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
• 1/2 head Chinese cabbage (about 1/2 pound), sliced
• 1 cup (250 ml) snow peas (trimmed)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) water chestnuts (drained and sliced, from one 4-ounce can)
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) dried red pepper flakes
• 3 Tbsp (45 ml) water

Garnish:

• 3 Tbsp (45 ml) cilantro (chopped)
• 3 green onions (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade:
   In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Marinate the chicken:
   Add the 1 1/3 pounds of chicken breast pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The soy sauce and vinegar will add flavor and help tenderize the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Chop the vegetables:
   While the chicken is marinating, chop 1 red onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and slice 1/2 head of Chinese cabbage. Trim the snow peas and drain and slice the water chestnuts.
2. Prepare the garnish:
   Chop 3 tablespoons of cilantro and slice 3 green onions for garnishing the stir-fry.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the oil:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken:
   Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Heat the remaining oil:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Heat it over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
   Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground coriander for extra flavor.
3. Add the cabbage and snow peas:
   Next, add the sliced Chinese cabbage and trimmed snow peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a slight crunch.
4. Incorporate the water chestnuts:
   Add the drained and sliced water chestnuts to the skillet and stir them in gently. The water chestnuts will add a delightful crunch to the stir-fry.

Step 5: Make the Sauce and Finish the Stir-Fry

1. Add tomato paste and spices:
   Stir 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1/4 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes into the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, which will deepen the flavor.
2. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water:
   Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 3 tablespoons of water. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the vegetables evenly.
3. Return the chicken to the skillet:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sauce and the vegetables are heated through. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add cilantro and green onions:
   Once the stir-fry is cooked, remove it from the heat and sprinkle the chopped cilantro and green onions over the top for added freshness and flavor.
2. Serve:
   Serve the stir-fried chicken and vegetables over steamed rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Tips

• Use a hot pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the chicken or vegetables. This helps achieve a good sear on the chicken and ensures that the vegetables cook quickly without becoming soggy.
• Prep everything in advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so it’s essential to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or a fresh chili pepper.

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Vitamin C: 60% of the recommended daily intake
• Calcium: 8% of the recommended daily intake
• Iron: 15% of the recommended daily intake

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
   Yes, feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s firmness.
2. Can I use a different type of protein?
   Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different variation of this stir-fry. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for the protein you choose.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the tomato paste and spices, are also gluten-free.
4. What can I serve with this stir-fry?
   This stir-fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or rice noodles. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. The stir-fry itself is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed for a quick meal.

Conclusion
Stir-Fried Chicken with Chinese Cabbage and Snow Peas is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken and a colorful mix of vegetables, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. The soy sauce and rice vinegar create a savory, slightly tangy sauce that complements the freshness of the vegetables and chicken. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables or protein sources. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, this stir-fry is an ideal solution for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen!