Introduction
Stir frying is a quick and flavorful cooking method often used in Asian cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients that come together in a delightful dish. This recipe highlights chicken and an array of colorful vegetables, all tossed together with a savory sauce and noodles to create a satisfying meal. Let’s explore the ingredients required for this stir fry!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
CHICKEN:
150 – 180 g / 5 – 6 oz chicken breast, cut into thin strips
1 tsp cornflour / cornstarch (optional)
1 tsp oil (peanut, vegetable, canola) (optional)
SAUCE:
2 tbsp oyster sauce (or substitute with Hoisin)
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
1/2 tsp each sesame oil and sugar (optional)
1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) OR Mirin
1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
3 tbsp water
STIR FRY:
100 g / 3.5 oz dried rice noodles
1 tbsp oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 small onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)
1/2 bunch choy sum or other Asian greens, stems separated from leaves
1/2 red capsicum / bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and sliced on the diagonal
5 – 7 mushrooms, sliced
Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions/scallions (optional)
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering all the ingredients, chopping vegetables, and pre-soaking the rice noodles.
Cook Time
The cooking time is around 10 minutes. The quick stir-fry process ensures that the chicken and vegetables remain tender and retain their vibrant colors.
Total Time
Total time for the preparation and cooking of this meal is about 25 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner when time is limited.
Yield
This recipe yields approximately 2 servings, making it an ideal choice for a small family meal or a romantic dinner for two. Feel free to double the ingredients for a larger gathering.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Mix the chicken strips with cornflour and oil in a bowl. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, Chinese cooking wine (or mirin), white pepper, and water. Alternatively, you can use 3 tablespoons of homemade stir fry sauce combined with 6 tablespoons of water.
Soak the Noodles
Soak the dried rice noodles in hot water according to package directions just before cooking. Once soaked, drain the noodles and set aside.
Heat the Wok
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot.
Add Garlic and Onion
Add the finely chopped garlic and sliced onion to the wok. Cook for approximately 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the wok. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the chicken changes from pink to white.
Add Vegetables
Introduce the carrot slices, choy sum stems, and sliced capsicum into the wok. Stir-fry for about 1 minute.
Add Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the mix and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained noodles, choy sum leaves, and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together for about 1 minute until the leaves have wilted and the sauce has mostly evaporated. Be careful not to toss for more than 1½ minutes to avoid breaking the noodles.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Tenderise Chicken
Tenderizing the chicken can enhance its texture, but this step is optional. The quick cooking method should keep the chicken juicy. Consider using chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Dark Soy Sauce
Dark soy sauce adds more flavor and gives the dish a darker color. If unavailable, substitute it by using 3 tablespoons of oyster sauce with 2 teaspoons of light soy sauce.
Chinese Cooking Wine
You can substitute Chinese cooking wine with mirin (omit sugar) or dry sherry. For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth or a crumbled stock cube with water.
Noodles
Various types of noodles can be used. For this recipe, 100g/3.5oz of dried rice noodles is recommended. Follow package instructions for soaking or preparation.
Chopping Garlic
Finely chop the garlic instead of using jarred or crushed garlic to prevent burning while cooking.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to use about 5 cups (packed) of mixed vegetables of your choice in place of the recommended veggies.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition details are based on using 150g/5 oz of chicken per serving.
Cook techniques
Tenderizing Chicken
Tenderizing chicken can enhance its juiciness. A quick method is to mix the chicken with cornstarch and a bit of oil to create a coating that retains moisture during cooking.
Mixing Sauces
Combine oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cooking wine, white pepper, and water in a bowl. This mixture adds flavor and depth to the stir fry.
Preparing Noodles
Soak dried rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions before cooking. This prevents them from breaking during the stir fry process.
High Heat Cooking
Use high heat when cooking in a wok or large skillet to achieve a seared effect on ingredients while maintaining their texture and flavor.
Sequential Cooking
Cook ingredients in stages, starting with aromatics (like garlic and onion), followed by proteins (like chicken), then adding vegetables that require different cooking times to ensure even cooking.
Finely Chopping Garlic
Finely chop garlic instead of using pre-minced garlic to prevent burning. This allows for better control over flavor and cooking time.
Vegetable Selection
Choose a variety of vegetables for color and nutrition. Asian greens, bell peppers, and mushrooms work well together and can be adjusted based on availability.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts in stir fry recipes.
What can I substitute for dark soy sauce?
If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use a combination of oyster sauce and light soy sauce to achieve a similar flavor and color.
Is it necessary to use Chinese cooking wine?
It is not necessary, but it adds depth and complexity to the dish. You can substitute it with mirin, dry sherry, or chicken broth if you avoid alcohol.
How long should I soak the rice noodles?
Soak the rice noodles in hot water until they are tender, following the package directions, but avoid letting them sit too long to prevent breaking.
Can I use different vegetables for the stir fry?
Yes, feel free to swap out the vegetables for any of your choice. Aim for about 5 cups of packed vegetables for a balanced dish.
How can I ensure the noodles don’t break during cooking?
To prevent your noodles from breaking, don’t rehydrate them until just before cooking and avoid excessive tossing once added to the stir fry.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful chicken stir fry, with its vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked rice noodles, is a delightful dish that combines the richness of Asian cuisine with the ease of home cooking. The various ingredients come together to create a wholesome meal that is not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Tofu Stir Fry
Replace chicken with firm tofu, and use the same vegetables and sauce to create a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Substitute chicken with thinly sliced beef, add broccoli florets, and adjust the sauce for a classic dish.
Seafood Delight Stir Fry
Use shrimp or scallops in place of chicken and add peas for a seafood twist on this stir fry.
Veggie-Loaded Noodle Bowl
Increase the amount of vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas, for a nutrient-dense noodle bowl that’s packed with flavor.
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry
Add sliced fresh chilies or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the dish.
Chicken and Egg Fried Rice
Utilize leftover rice instead of noodles, and create a fried rice version by adding beaten eggs and your choice of vegetables.
Peanut Chicken Stir Fry
Incorporate peanut butter into the sauce for a creamy texture and nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Adjust the sauce ingredients to include vinegar and pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy variation.
