Savory Chicken, Bacon, and Cabbage Stir-Fry Delight

Looking for a delicious, quick, and satisfying dinner option that combines the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the refreshing crunch of cabbage? This savory stir-fry is your answer! A delightful mix of tender chicken cubes, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned cabbage with just the right amount of heat from chilies. This dish is not only bursting with flavors but is also easy to make and sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re pressed for time or just craving something hearty, this stir-fry has got you covered. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 10–14 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons ginger, minced (about a 2-inch chunk)
• 3–16 fresh red chilies, chopped and deseeded to taste
• ¼ head of large Napa cabbage (about 3 cups), chopped into bite-sized pieces, washed, and dried
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped into 1-inch pieces, whites and greens separated

Chicken Marinade:

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 3 teaspoons low-sodium light soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing rice wine
• ¼ teaspoon sesame oil

Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon low-sodium light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons Shaoxing rice wine
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black rice vinegar (e.g., Pat Chun brand)
• 2 tablespoons water

Other Ingredients:

• 4 ½ tablespoons peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 chicken breasts (about 400g), diced into bite-sized cubes
• 2–6 Thai dried red chilies, deseeded and cut into halves or thirds
• 5 slices bacon, chopped into bite-sized strips
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper, adjusted to your liking.
• 3 grinds (about ⅛ teaspoon) ground white pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons crushed red chili pepper flakes, to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, vinegar, and water. Set this sauce aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Bacon: Warm 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy and golden brown.
4. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside with the bacon.
5. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining peanut oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped fresh red chilies. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Add Vegetables: Add the yellow onion and the white parts of the scallions. Cook until they begin to soften, then add the Napa cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
7. Combine Everything: Add the sauce mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
8. Season & Finish: Add the chili oil (if using), sesame oil, and season with salt, black pepper, white pepper, and crushed red chili flakes to taste. Finally, add the green parts of the scallions and give everything a good toss.
9. Serve: Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and enjoy hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion:

This Savory Chicken, Bacon, and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy cabbage, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!