- Posted on
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is a popular dish enjoyed by many for its delicious flavors and ease of preparation. This versatile meal can be served with rice or noodles and paired with various sauces, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, and the number of servings is four. You will need to gather your ingredients beforehand: chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces), mixed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and onions; soy sauce, garlic, ginger, olive oil, and a little bit of cornstarch for thickening.
To start the stir fry, first marinate the chicken pieces. Combine equal parts soy sauce and water in a small bowl, then add the chicken breasts. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. While waiting, prepare your vegetables by slicing or chopping them into small, manageable pieces suitable for quick cooking.
Heat up a large pan with some olive oil on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. This step is important because it ensures that you can sear the chicken properly without sticking in the pan. Once heated, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any remaining liquid) and brown it for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside after browning.
Next, add finely chopped garlic and ginger to the same hot pan. Sauté them gently just until they start to turn golden but avoid letting them burn. Add your prepared vegetables next; stir-fry everything together on high heat for about 5 minutes or until the veggies are slightly tender yet still crisp.
At this point, mix in the chicken again and let it cook for another couple of minutes before adding cornstarch slurry – a mixture made by whisking one tablespoon of cornstarch with enough cold water to form a smooth paste. Pour this into your pan while stirring continuously so that the sauce coats evenly over all ingredients.
Finally, pour in additional soy sauce according to taste preference; some people like to add a splash more for extra flavor while others prefer it less salty. Let everything simmer together briefly until the sauce thickens just right and coats every piece of food nicely. Taste test and adjust seasoning as necessary. Once done cooking, serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
A few tips might come in handy when making this dish:
- For extra flavor, you could include a splash of mirin or sake towards the end of cooking which adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, choose milder vegetables such as green beans instead of hot chilies. However, adding some red pepper flakes will give your dish an exciting kick!
- Feel free to adjust portion sizes according to family members' preferences; smaller children may not need too much protein so consider reducing the amount used.
In conclusion, Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry is a simple yet delicious meal that showcases the beauty of stir-frying techniques. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different vegetables or sauces depending on what’s available in your pantry. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want to impress guests at dinner parties, this dish is sure to be a hit every time!