If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, this Savory Stir Fry Delight recipe is a must-try. It's a medley of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious homemade sauce, all stir-fried to perfection. Easy to make at home, this dish is filled with robust flavors and different textures that make every bite a delight.
This recipe uses several Asian ingredients that may not be in your usual pantry collection. Soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and rice noodles are essential for the authentic Asian flavor and can all be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Ginger and garlic are also key to the aromatic experience of this dish. If you can't find fresh, the ground versions in the spice aisle will do. Lastly, don't skip the peanut butter; it's the secret ingredient that balances the saltiness with a creamy sweetness.
Ingredients for Your Savory Stir Fry Delight
Soy sauce: Its umami flavor deepens the taste of the stir fry.
Garlic: It provides an aromatic kick.
Ginger: It adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor.
Sesame oil: Its nutty flavor enhances the overall dish.
Rice vinegar: It adds a tangy taste.
Honey: It sweetens the dish subtly.
Peanut butter: It thickens and sweetens the sauce.
Chicken breast: The main protein source.
Red onion, Broccoli, Red cabbage, Red bell peppers, Snap peas, Carrots: These vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional value to the stir fry.
Rice noodles: They provide a chewy texture.
Scallions and fresh cilantro: They top off the dish with a fresh taste.
Sesame seeds: They add a pleasant crunch and appearance.
One reader, Drucill Duckworth says:
This savory stir fry delight is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the sauce is simply divine. The combination of fresh vegetables and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that's both satisfying and wholesome. It's a definite winner for a quick and delicious dinner!
Mastering the Art of Stir Fry Techniques
How to prepare the sauce: Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
How to cook the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat, add cubed chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
How to stir-fry the vegetables: Heat oil in a wok over high heat, add the red onion, broccoli, and red cabbage, cook for 3 minutes, then add the red bell peppers and snap peas, and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes.
How to assemble the stir-fry: Add the cooked chicken, rice noodles, and prepared sauce to the wok, and stir until fully incorporated.
How to serve: Garnish the stir-fry with cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds before serving.
How To Make Stir Fry Chicken And Veggies
These savory Stir Fry Chicken and Veggies are easy to make, with veggies, chicken cubes, and rice noodles all tossed in a tasty honey soy sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Sauce:
- 1cupsoy sauce
- 4clovesgarlic
- 2tspginger,grated
- 2tbspsesame oil
- 2tbsprice vinegar
- 2tbsphoney
- ¼cupcreamy peanut butter
For Stir Fry:
- 2tbspoil,divided
- 1lbchicken breast,boneless, skinless, cubed
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspblack pepper
- ½red onion,thinly sliced
- 2cupsbroccoli florets
- ¼red cabbage,thinly sliced
- 2red bell peppers,thinly sliced
- 1½cupssnap pea,sliced on the bias
- 3carrots,thinly peeled
- 1lbrice noodle,cooked
- ¼cupscallion,thinly sliced on the bias
- ½cupfresh cilantro,finely chopped
- 2tbspsesame seeds
Instructions
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In a bowl, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter, garlic, and ginger, and whisk to combine.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
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Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through,
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Transfer the chicken to the bowl, and wipe the wok clean.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the cleaned wok over high heat.
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Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the red onion, broccoli, and red cabbage, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add the red bell peppers and snap peas and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers begin to soften.
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Add the carrots and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
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Add the chicken, cooked rice noodles, and sauce, and stir until fully incorporated.
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Serve with cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 997.89kcal
- Fat: 36.38g
- Saturated Fat: 6.79g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.78g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.58g
- Carbohydrates: 123.71g
- Fiber: 7.95g
- Sugar: 17.79g
- Protein: 43.73g
- Cholesterol: 72.57mg
- Sodium: 3832.14mg
- Calcium: 177.76mg
- Potassium: 1218.07mg
- Iron: 5.31mg
- Vitamin A: 586.60µg
- Vitamin C: 138.55mg
Elevate Your Stir Fry Game with This Technique Tip
When stir frying, it's important to keep the ingredients moving. This not only ensures even cooking, but also prevents them from sticking to the wok. Using a high heat is key to achieving a good sear on the chicken and vegetables without overcooking them. Also, adding the vegetables in stages, starting with the ones that take the longest to cook, ensures that everything is done at the same time. Lastly, when adding the sauce, make sure to stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Savory Stir Fry Delight
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or wok to cook everything in one pan, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Quick cook: Opt for pre-cooked or quick-cooking ingredients such as pre-cooked rice noodles or rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
Efficient chopping: Use a food processor to quickly chop vegetables to save time on prep work.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and store leftovers for future meals, saving time on cooking multiple times.
Substitute Ingredients For Stir Fry Recipe
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and it has a similar rich and savory flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for sesame oil in stir-fry dishes.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor similar to rice vinegar in the stir-fry sauce.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor as honey in the stir-fry sauce.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can offer a creamy texture and nutty flavor similar to peanut butter in the sauce.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a source of protein in the stir-fry dish.
rice noodle - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles can be a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to rice noodles in the stir-fry dish.
scallion - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor to the stir-fry dish.
sesame seeds - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds can add a similar nutty crunch to the stir-fry dish as sesame seeds.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Stir Fry
Elevate the plating: When presenting the stir fry, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Use vibrant and colorful vegetables to create a visually stunning display. Consider using different textures and shapes to add visual interest.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and scallions. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce an element of elegance by incorporating delicate and edible flowers such as chive blossoms or nasturtiums. These will add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the stir fry to take center stage. This will create a sense of balance and sophistication in the presentation.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the stir fry. Opt for a plate that provides a striking contrast to the vibrant hues of the dish, enhancing its visual appeal.
Create height and dimension: Build the stir fry upwards to create a sense of height and dimension on the plate. This adds a dynamic element to the presentation and showcases the different components of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Stir Fry Success
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, and more.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for mixing, spreading, and flipping ingredients.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
- Strainer: A tool used for separating liquids from solid ingredients.
- Cooking pot: A large container used for cooking soups, stews, and boiling ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Stir Fry
- Let the stir fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave the desired portion for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, or reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled stir fry in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen stir fry overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed stir fry in the microwave or in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
- Note: The vegetables may lose some of their crispness after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- Consider storing the sauce separately from the vegetables and chicken to maintain the best texture when reheating.
- If you plan to freeze the stir fry, undercook the vegetables slightly to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated.
Reheating Leftover Stir Fry for Optimal Taste
Reheat the stir fry in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help steam the vegetables and prevent them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
For a crispy texture, reheat the stir fry in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. Spread the leftovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the edges to crisp up.
Microwave the stir fry in a microwave-safe container with a loose-fitting lid. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to help steam the vegetables and prevent them from drying out. Heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
If the rice noodles have dried out, sprinkle a little water over them before reheating to help rehydrate them. You can also add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to enhance the flavor.
To maintain the freshness of the cilantro and scallions, add them after reheating the stir fry. This will help preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
Fascinating Facts About Stir Fry Cuisine
The recipe for savory stir fry delight is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines a variety of colorful vegetables with flavorful chicken and rice noodles. This dish is a great way to incorporate a wide range of vegetables into your diet, providing essential nutrients and fiber. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and peanut butter in the sauce adds a rich and savory flavor to the stir fry. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and protein sources, making it a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal.
Budget-Friendly Stir Fry: Is It Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this savory stir fry delight recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your location. The use of affordable and versatile ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and rice noodles makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10 for its balance of flavors, nutritional value, and ease of preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a reasonable and economical choice for a satisfying meal.
Is This Stir Fry Recipe Healthy?
The savory stir fry delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The chicken breast provides lean protein, while the variety of vegetables, including broccoli, red cabbage, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, offer a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The rice noodles serve as a source of complex carbohydrates for energy.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The sauce contains a significant amount of soy sauce, which is high in sodium. Reducing the soy sauce or using a low-sodium alternative would help decrease the overall sodium content of the dish.
- The peanut butter in the sauce adds healthy fats but also contributes to the calorie count. Using a smaller amount or opting for a natural, unsweetened peanut butter could help maintain the flavor while reducing the calorie content.
- The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil for cooking, which could be reduced to 1 tablespoon or replaced with a healthier option, such as coconut oil or avocado oil.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this stir fry, consider the following suggestions:
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts for added texture and nutrients
- Replace half of the rice noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option and increased vegetable intake
- Incorporate additional protein sources, such as tofu or shrimp, to provide variety and cater to different dietary preferences
- Garnish with chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for added healthy fats and a satisfying crunch
Editor's Opinion: Savory Stir Fry Delight Review
This savory stir fry delight recipe is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sauce, with its umami-rich soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and hint of sweetness from honey, perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant array of vegetables. The use of rice noodles adds a delightful chewiness, while the garnish of fresh cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds provides a burst of freshness and crunch. The balance of savory, sweet, and nutty notes makes this dish a truly delightful and satisfying culinary experience.
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Why trust this Stir Fry Recipe:
This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful dining experience. The soy sauce, ginger, and garlic infuse the dish with rich umami notes, while the sesame oil and peanut butter add depth and creaminess. The use of vibrant vegetables such as broccoli, red bell peppers, and snap peas guarantees freshness and nutrition. The inclusion of chicken breast and rice noodles provides a hearty and satisfying element. With a harmonious blend of ingredients and meticulous cooking instructions, this recipe promises a savory stir-fry delight that users can trust and enjoy.
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