Name: Thai-Inspired Chicken and Cabbage Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 small onion, diced; 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (adjust to taste); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; Optional garnish: chopped peanuts or cashews

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Low-Carb: Uses cabbage as a fresh, crunchy base instead of rice or noodles.
Bold Thai Flavors: Garlic, ginger, lime, and herbs create authentic taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps well and reheats nicely.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground chicken
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 small onion, diced
4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (adjust to taste)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
Optional: chopped peanuts or cashews for garnish

Directions

Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
Add Vegetables and Sauces: Stir in shredded cabbage and bell pepper. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until cabbage is slightly softened but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro, mint, and green onions.
Serve: Divide into bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, tofu instead of chicken.
More Veggies: Add shredded carrots, snap peas, or bean sprouts.
Spicy Version: Increase chili flakes or add sriracha.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Add Rice or Noodles: Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Meal Prep Tip: Keep fresh herbs separate until ready to serve for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian fish sauce alternatives.

What if I don’t have fish sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari can be used, though fish sauce adds authentic umami.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage works well to save time.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat, adjustable to your taste.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the cabbage may become mushy.

How do I keep herbs fresh?

Add fresh herbs just before serving.

What nuts work best for garnish?

Peanuts or cashews are traditional and add great crunch.

Can I add lime wedges?

Yes, serve with lime wedges for extra brightness.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs due to the cabbage base.

How do I store leftovers?

Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly.

Conclusion

Thai-Inspired Chicken and Cabbage Bowls are a flavorful, healthy, and quick meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Thailand to your table. With fresh herbs, zesty sauces, and crunchy vegetables, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that’s easy to prepare and customize.