Keto Low-Carb Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry: A Flavorful, Quick & Healthy Dinner

Looking for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Keto Low-Carb Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry is everything you need for a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, crisp red cabbage, and bold Asian-inspired flavors, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without any of the carbs or guilt.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a side to your favorite keto main dishes, this stir fry combines lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats—all while staying well within your daily macros.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best Keto Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry , offer variations for different dietary needs, share storage and prep tips, and answer all your most common questions.

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🍗 Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Stir Fry

Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation:

• Low-carb & keto-approved : No added sugars or starchy ingredients.
• Quick & easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Packed with flavor : Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy from apple cider vinegar.
• Healthy fats & protein : Supports ketosis and keeps you full longer.
• Meal-prep friendly : Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Versatile : Customize with other keto-friendly veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

It’s comfort food made healthy—and it hits all the right notes!

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🧾 Ingredients Needed (Serves 4–6)

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips
• 4 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos (for gluten-free/keto option)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional sweetener : ½ tsp erythritol or monk fruit (to balance acidity if desired)

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Keto Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry couldn’t be easier—even if you’re short on time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Slice chicken into thin strips.
2. Wash and shred red cabbage (or use pre-shredded).
3. Slice bell pepper and onion.
4. Mince garlic and grate ginger.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
3. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

1. Add remaining oil to the pan.
2. Toss in onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in red cabbage and bell pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 4: Add Flavor Base

1. Return chicken to the pan.
2. Pour in tamari (or coconut aminos), apple cider vinegar, and optional sweetener.
3. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce reduces slightly and flavors meld together.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
3. Serve warm.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Make your Keto Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry shine with these great pairing ideas:

• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles
• Fried eggs or avocado slices (for extra fat)
• Side of keto coleslaw or cucumber salad
• Wrapped in lettuce cups for a handheld option
• Over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter version

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🥣 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx., based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250
Protein	~25g
Fat	~14g
Carbs	~6g
Fiber	~2g
Net Carbs	~4g
Sugar	~2g
Sodium	~400mg

Note: Values may vary depending on brand of tamari/coconut aminos used.

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🧀 Why Use Red Cabbage?

Red cabbage is a keto superfood powerhouse! Here’s why it works so well in this stir fry:

• Low in net carbs : Only about 4g net carbs per cup raw.
• High in antioxidants : Rich in anthocyanins that support heart health.
• Fiber-rich : Promotes digestive health and helps keep you full.
• Crunchy texture : Adds contrast and freshness to the dish.

Plus, its vibrant color makes every plate look restaurant-worthy!

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💡 Expert Tips for the Best Stir Fry

1. Use high heat – Ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook in batches if needed to avoid sogginess.
3. Slice chicken evenly – Helps ensure uniform cooking.
4. Keep veggies crisp – Don’t overcook—aim for just tender-crisp.
5. Add acid last – Vinegar brightens the flavor without dulling the colors.

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🥣 How to Store & Meal Prep Your Stir Fry

This dish is ideal for meal prepping and makes excellent leftovers.

Refrigeration:

• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stove

Freezing:

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently
• Note: Texture may soften slightly after freezing

Meal Prep Ideas:

• Divide into single-serving containers for lunches throughout the week
• Pair with hard-boiled eggs, olives, or cheese sticks for a complete keto lunch
• Pack in a thermos for an easy workday meal

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?

A: Yes! Thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan.

Q: Is this stir fry dairy-free?

A: Yes! It contains no dairy unless added separately.

Q: What can I substitute for tamari?

A: Coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option, or regular soy sauce (not gluten-free).

Q: Can I add other veggies?

A: Absolutely! Try broccoli, snow peas, carrots, or baby bok choy.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Yes! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or eggplant slices.

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🧁 Variations for Different Diets

This recipe is easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences:

Vegan Chicken & Cabbage Stir Fry

• Use plant-based chicken alternative
• Ensure tamari is vegan-friendly

Paleo Version

• Use coconut aminos instead of tamari
• Replace chicken with grass-fed beef or wild-caught fish

Spicy Kick Version

• Add crushed red pepper flakes
• Stir in sriracha or chili garlic paste

Teriyaki Twist

• Add 1 tbsp granulated erythritol or allulose to the sauce
• Use a splash of sesame oil for extra depth

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🌐 The Rise of Stir Fry Dishes in Modern Keto Cuisine

Stir fries have long been a staple in Asian cuisine, known for their speed, simplicity, and bold flavors. With the rise of the ketogenic diet , traditional stir fry recipes have been reimagined using low-carb ingredients, sugar-free sauces, and healthy fats to fit within keto macros.

Today, keto stir fries are featured across blogs, meal delivery services, and restaurants—proving that global flavors can still be enjoyed while staying in ketosis.

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🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts

This Keto Low-Carb Chicken & Red Cabbage Stir Fry proves that eating keto doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its crispy cabbage, tender chicken, and savory-sour flavor profile, it’s a total winner for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle—or simply craving something fresh, crunchy, and easy to make.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting friends, or just looking for a quick and healthy dinner, this stir fry delivers every time.

So go ahead—grab that cabbage, fire up the pan, and enjoy a modern twist on a globally inspired classic.

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