Cabbage And Sweet Potato Stir Fry

Cabbage and Sweet Potato Stir Fry is an easy 30-minute meal with just ten ingredients. It is packed with tastiness. Both the sweet potatoes and the cabbage make it a little sweet. The fennel seeds add just the right boost of flavor. And the chicken provides good protein.

This is one of those dishes that has a delightful texture. The sweet potatoes will be a little soft. The chicken, of course, is a little chewy and juicy. I like to leave the cabbage a bit crunchy in this cabbage and sweet potato stir fry because the different textures of this dish are so satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works

This is a simple yet delicious stir fry recipe that requires only a little preparation and can be made in about 30 minutes using two pans. The combination of sweet and salty foods is one that most people like. It makes a complete meal that is colorful, filling, and enjoyable.

What Goes Into This Recipe

I’ll bet you have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Both cabbage and sweet potatoes are vegetables that will last a long time in a refrigerator vegetable crisper. So, I usually have them on hand. Besides sweet potatoes and cabbage, you’ll need onion, sweet red bell pepper, garlic, olive oil, fennel seed, chicken tenders, salt, and pepper. I generally have all of these ingredients in my ready-to-use supplies. Do you? 

Substitutions/Variations

Of course, you usually can't go wrong when you stir-fry onions, garlic, and other fresh vegetables. Just about any vegetables work in a stir fry. Some specific substitutions for this recipe are:

• Green bell pepper can be substituted for red bell pepper. Red pepper has a little sweeter flavor, but green pepper is tasty, too.
• Canola oil or another mild oil can be substituted for olive oil, without any change in flavor.
• Chicken breast is a good substitute for chicken tenders. And you can even swap precooked dark meat chicken or roasted chicken pieces for the tenders, adding it right at the end of the recipe instead of adding it raw in the earlier step.

How To Make This Recipe

Start with peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Put the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of water and bring them to a boil. You’ll want the potatoes to be just a little undercooked (crisp-tender) so they hold their shape and texture when you put them in the stir fry.

Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes so they don’t overcook. They should be ready to drain in about 10-15 minutes. Drain them and set them aside when they are still a little crisp. They will finish cooking when you add them to the stir fry.

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, chop your onion and red peppers, and mince the garlic. Prepare the sliced cabbage so it’s ready to cook. 

Now heat the oil in a large sauté pan or wok and sauté the chicken tenders until they are almost done. They will be white throughout, but not yet browned on the outside. Remove them to another plate. 

Then, in the same pan, toss in the fennel to release the flavor. Add the onions and sauté them until they start to caramelize (brown). Toss in the diced peppers and let them cook for a minute or two. Add the garlic and give everything a stir.

Add the cabbage and continue to stir fry until the cabbage is crisp-tender. Stir occasionally to make sure everything gets evenly cooked.

Add the drained sweet potatoes to the skillet. Return the chicken to the pan and let the pieces brown a bit. Add salt and pepper to taste, and give the dish a stir. Enjoy!

Storing

Store in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to three days.

More Stir Fry Recipes To Try

• Chinese Chicken Stir Fry
• Peanut Chicken Stir Fry
• Chicken Sausage and Cabbage Stir Fry
• Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
• Chinese Chicken Stir Fry

FAQs And Expert Tips

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