Dirty Cabbage with Chili Oil

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Diced)
• 3 tbsp ponzu sauce (For the chicken marinade)
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (For the chicken marinade)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (For the marinade; regular sesame oil may be used instead)
• 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage (Use mild sausage if preferred)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (As needed for cooking)
• 1 large head green cabbage (Alternatively, use 2 small heads; chopped)
• 1 large yellow onion (Thinly sliced)
• salt (A pinch, for the onions)
• 2 tbsp butter (Divided)
• 4 garlic (Minced or pressed; divided)
• 6 oz wonton wraps (Optional; brands such as Dynasty or Nasoya)
• 0.25 cup ponzu sauce (For the finishing chili oil sauce)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (For the finishing sauce; plus more to taste and for optional wonton noodles)
• 2.5 tbsp chili crunch or chili oil (Use 2–3 tablespoons, plus more for serving and optional wonton noodles)
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil (For the finishing sauce)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (Adjust if desired)
• fresh lime juice (For tossing with the optional wonton noodles; amount not specified)
• fresh cilantro (For topping; amount not specified)
• green onions (Sliced, for topping; amount not specified)
• peanuts (Chopped, for topping; amount not specified)

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the diced chicken with 3 tablespoons ponzu sauce, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes while preparing the vegetables and sausage.

2. 2

   Heat a large, deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the neutral oil if needed, then add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, crumbling it as it cooks. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the skillet.

3. 3

   Drain and discard the excess marinade from the chicken. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes so it can sear.

4. 4

   Flip the chicken and continue cooking for approximately 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and 2 cloves of the garlic. Cook until fragrant, then toss the chicken through the garlic butter and cook approximately 1 minute longer, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.

6. 6

   Remove the chicken from the skillet.

7. 7

   Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt to the skillet, adding a small amount of neutral oil if needed. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing the onions to brown.

8. 8

   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and the remaining 2 cloves garlic. Cook briefly, until the garlic is fragrant.

9. 9

   Add the chopped cabbage and toss it with the onions. Spread the vegetables into an even layer and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and has caramelized brown edges.

10. 10

    Optional wonton noodles: While the cabbage cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Slice the wonton wrappers in half or into noodle-like strips and carefully separate every layer.

11. 11

    Boil the wonton-wrapper strips for approximately 2 minutes, then drain them. Immediately toss with low-sodium soy sauce, chili crunch, and fresh lime juice. Gently fold the noodles into the finished Dirty Cabbage.

12. 12

    Combine the finishing ponzu sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, chili crunch or chili oil, toasted sesame oil, and brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm briefly, until the brown sugar dissolves.

13. 13

    Return the chicken and browned sausage to the skillet. Pour the warmed sauce over everything and toss thoroughly to coat.

14. 14

    Taste and add additional chili crunch, ponzu, or soy sauce as desired.

15. 15

    Serve topped with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, chopped peanuts, and additional chili crunch.

Notes

The wonton noodles are optional. The recipe does not specify the amount of lime juice for the optional noodles or amounts for the toppings. Adjust the finishing sauce to taste: ponzu adds brightness, soy sauce adds savory saltiness, and chili crunch adds heat and richness.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• lower-carb
• chicken
• sausage
• vegetable-forward
• stovetop
• spicy
• Asian-inspired