Introduction: If you’re following a Keto or low-carb lifestyle, you might often find yourself craving flavorful meals that don’t compromise your health goals. One dish that fits this criterion perfectly is Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. This low-carb, high-protein dish is full of delicious flavors, packed with tender chicken, crispy cabbage, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce. It’s quick and easy to make, and it’s a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying stir-fry while staying within their ketogenic or low-carb diet.
In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through every step to make the best Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry that is sure to impress. Whether you’re new to the keto lifestyle or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and can be customized to fit your preferences. With fresh ingredients, a low-carb profile, and delicious seasonings, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This KETO Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry:
Before diving into the recipe, let’s discuss why this dish is so appealing:
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Cabbage is a low-carb vegetable that fits perfectly into a keto diet, and this stir-fry is made without rice or noodles, keeping the carb count low. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your stir-fry cravings without sabotaging your goals.
- Packed with Protein: The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, recovery, and keeping you feeling full. Combined with healthy fats from the cooking oil, this dish offers a well-balanced meal.
- Easy to Make: This stir-fry is quick to prepare, requiring only one pan, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family, it’s an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to make this stir-fry your own. You can also adjust the seasoning to your preference—whether you like it spicier or milder, the options are endless.
- Flavorful: With a blend of savory soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option), garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, this stir-fry has the perfect balance of flavors, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients for Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Here’s everything you need to prepare this Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry. The ingredients are simple, yet they come together to create a delicious, mouth-watering dish.
For the Stir-Fry:
- Chicken Breast (boneless and skinless): 1 lb (about 2 medium breasts), cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
- Cabbage: 4 cups, shredded (about half a medium head of cabbage)
- Green Onions: 3 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Fresh Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Carrot: 1 medium, julienned (optional, for color and crunch, keep this optional for a lower-carb version)
- Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced (optional for added flavor and crunch)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (adds depth and authentic flavor)
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing the chicken and vegetables)
- Coconut Aminos or Tamari Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (gluten-free option for soy sauce)
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (for tanginess)
- Chili Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish, optional)
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version)
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (adds tanginess)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (for authentic flavor)
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced (optional but adds a richer flavor to the sauce)
- Stevia or Erythritol: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Water: 1-2 tablespoons (to thin out the sauce, if needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized cubes. Shred the cabbage finely or use pre-shredded cabbage from the store to save time. Julienne the carrot (if using), and slice the bell pepper. Chop the green onions and set aside for garnish.
Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and stevia or erythritol (if using). If you want a thinner sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency. Set the sauce aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast to the pan in a single layer, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it starts to brown and cook through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1 minute or until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with aromatic flavors that will enhance the taste of the stir-fry.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Cabbage is a key ingredient in this dish, and it holds up well when cooked in a stir-fry, adding a hearty texture.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the prepared stir-fry sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables thoroughly. Stir frequently to ensure the sauce is evenly distributed and the flavors meld together.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the chicken and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of chili flakes on top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry hot as a standalone meal or paired with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb dinner. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying stir-fry that’s perfect for a healthy, ketogenic meal.
Nutritional Information and WW SmartPoints Breakdown
Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the recipe makes 4 servings):
Per Serving (1 Serving):
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 3g (from vegetables and the small amount of stevia)
- Calcium: 4% of daily value
- Iron: 6% of daily value
WW SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple Plans):
- 4 SmartPoints per serving
This makes the Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry an excellent option for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, as it’s relatively low in SmartPoints and packed with lean protein and vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and high-quality chicken make a big difference in flavor. Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest protein option.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili oil or fresh chopped chilies to the stir-fry for a spicy kick, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, snow peas, or broccoli to the stir-fry to add variety and texture.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you love a saucy stir-fry, feel free to double the sauce ingredients to have extra sauce to coat the chicken and veggies.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
This Keto Chinese Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that satisfies your craving for a flavorful, low-carb meal. With just 5 main ingredients and quick cooking times, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbs, it fits seamlessly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. By customizing the vegetables and adjusting the spice level, you can make this stir-fry your own. It’s not only tasty but also fits well into your Weight Watchers SmartPoints, making it a great option for anyone trying to balance their meals without compromising on flavor.
