Name: Healthy Cabbage Stir Fry with Chicken and Ginger Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 cloves minced garlic (about 1 1/2 tablespoons); 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (reduce to 1/4 teaspoon if sensitive to spice); ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, divided, plus additional to taste; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 small cabbage (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 1 pound ground chicken; 2 cups shredded carrots (about 10 ounces or 4 medium carrots); 1 small bunch green onions, finely chopped (about 6 small green onions); ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped; Prepared brown rice or brown rice noodles for serving (optional—omit to make low carb)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 48 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious, look no further than this Healthy Cabbage Stir Fry with Chicken and Ginger Recipe. Bright, tender cabbage meets savory ground chicken, punctuated by aromatic ginger, garlic, and a subtle hint of spice. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again—quick enough for weeknights, yet packed with so much personality and wholesome goodness that it feels like a special occasion in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan holds two main layers of shredded vegetables: a large pile of thin, bright orange carrot strips on the left side, and a larger pile of pale green cabbage shreds to the right, some spread out and some more piled. A wooden spatula rests on the right side of the pan, partly under the cabbage, with some cabbage pieces stuck to it. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that balances bold flavors with inviting textures. Each one plays an essential role in building the lively taste and irresistible color of this healthy stir fry.

Minced garlic (5 cloves): Adds a fragrant base that wakes up every bite.
Minced fresh ginger (2 tablespoons): Brings warmth and a gentle kick essential to the stir fry’s character.
Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Offers a touch of heat that can be adjusted to your spice preference.
Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Provides a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the savory notes.
Low sodium soy sauce (4 tablespoons, divided): Introduces umami richness while keeping the saltiness balanced.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dish and helps balance the sweet and savory elements.
Pure maple syrup (1½ tablespoons): Adds a natural sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients.
Small cabbage (1 to 1½ pounds): The star vegetable, offering crispness and volume.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used for cooking to add smooth texture and subtle richness.
Ground chicken (1 pound): A lean, tender protein that soaks up the spices and sauce perfectly.
Shredded carrots (2 cups): Contributes vibrant color and natural sweetness.
Green onions (1 small bunch, finely chopped): Delivers fresh, mild onion flavor and crunch.
Fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems (½ cup, chopped): Offers a fresh herbal finish.
Prepared brown rice or brown rice noodles (optional): A wholesome base that pairs wonderfully if you want a heartier meal.

How to Make Healthy Cabbage Stir Fry with Chicken and Ginger Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Flavor Foundations

Start by combining minced garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and ground cloves in a small bowl—this aromatic spice mix is the heart of the stir fry’s bold flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup for the perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet elements. Having these ready sets you up for smooth, efficient cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Trim the stem end off the cabbage, then halve it vertically. Cut each half into quarters, still from top to bottom, and slice each quarter crosswise into thin strips about 1/8 inch thick. This fine slicing helps the cabbage cook quickly and keeps the texture delightfully crisp-tender. Pile the cabbage in a bowl so it’s ready to go when the pan is hot.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground chicken. Break it up as it cooks, stirring frequently. After the chicken starts to brown, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and keep cooking until the meat is fully cooked and any liquid evaporates—around five minutes. Set the chicken aside to keep it warm.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Stir and cook for about two minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still has a nice crunch. The timing here is key—the goal is to wilt the vegetables without making them mushy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking

Pour the soy sauce mixture and the spice blend over the vegetables, then cover the skillet tightly. Let everything cook over high heat for about one minute—this steams the cabbage to tender perfection. Remove the lid, stir in green onions, cilantro, and the cooked chicken, letting them warm through for another 30 seconds. The resulting stir fry should be vibrant, juicy, and irresistibly fragrant.

How to Serve Healthy Cabbage Stir Fry with Chicken and Ginger Recipe

A black frying pan filled with a colorful mixture of cooked ground chicken, shredded green cabbage, thin orange carrot strips, and chopped green onions evenly spread throughout. The dish has a light texture with soft white and tan chicken pieces combined with bright green and orange vegetables, and some small bits of darker greens sprinkled on top. A wooden spoon lies on the right side of the pan, partially covered with the ingredients, showing some shine from cooking oil. The background is a white marbled surface with a honey dipper and honey jar blurred in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of vibrant color and fresh taste. If you like a little crunch, toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts also make wonderful toppings that complement the textures beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines on its own, but pairing it with brown rice or noodles can transform it into a satisfying main course. For a lighter meal, enjoy it solo or with a side of steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli. A crisp cucumber salad offers refreshing contrast and balances the warm flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this stir fry in lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held meal with a fresh crunch. Another lovely idea is to roll it up in rice paper wrappers as an Asian-inspired wrap, perfect for picnics or casual dinners. Garnish creatively with edible flowers or thin chili slices to impress your guests visually and palate-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover cabbage stir fry into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the stir fry for up to three months using a freezer-safe airtight container. Keep in mind the cabbage’s texture may soften slightly upon thawing, but the robust flavors and satisfying taste will still be there to enjoy.

Reheating

Gently warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking. Adding a splash of rice vinegar as you reheat helps brighten the cabbage and revives those fresh-tasting notes that make this dish so addictive.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully and adds a richer flavor, though chicken keeps it lighter and leaner. Feel free to choose based on your preference or whatever you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use maple syrup?

Maple syrup contributes a subtle natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements but you can substitute it with honey or omit it entirely if you prefer less sweetness.

How spicy is this stir fry?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the amount or skip them if you’re sensitive to heat. The flavors remain bold and delicious either way.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! You can mince the garlic and ginger, slice the cabbage, and shred the carrots earlier in the day or the night before to save time when cooking.

Is this dish suitable for a low-carb diet?

Definitely. Simply skip the optional brown rice or noodles, and the dish itself is naturally low in carbs while still filling and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Healthy Cabbage Stir Fry with Chicken and Ginger Recipe yet, you’re truly missing out on a fabulous combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients and zesty flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a brilliant weeknight dinner idea that’s quick, easy, and satisfying—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Dive in and enjoy the harmony of tastes that this stir fry brings to your table!