Introduction
Exploring Flavorful Ingredients
In the world of culinary arts, the right ingredients can elevate a simple dish into a street food sensation. This article will guide you through a vibrant recipe that showcases the harmony of spices and fresh elements, perfect for those who crave a taste of Thai cuisine.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Sauce
– 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
– 2 teaspoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
Stir Fry
– 2 tablespoons cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil)
– 3 Thai or bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
– 1 small onion, halved and sliced (brown, white, or yellow)
– 500 grams (1 pound) ground chicken
– 3 shallot/scallion stems, chopped into slices
– 1 cup loosely packed coriander/cilantro leaves
Serving
– Steamed jasmine rice
Prep Time
Preparation Steps
1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cooking Instructions
2. Heat oil in a wok or heavy-based skillet over high heat. Add garlic and chili; cook for 15 seconds.
3. Add onion and cook for 45 seconds.
4. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up as you go. When it changes from pink to white, add the prepared sauce. Cook until the liquid mostly disappears, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir through shallots. Then stir through coriander and immediately take off the heat.
6. Serve immediately with jasmine rice. Optionally, add slices of cucumber and tomato wedges for an authentic Thai touch. Garnish with extra chili and coriander if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a wok or a heavy-based skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (peanut or vegetable oil) over high heat.
Step 3: Cook Garlic and Chili
Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and 3 finely chopped Thai or bird’s eye chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Onion
Stir in the sliced onion (halved and then sliced) and continue to cook for an additional 45 seconds until slightly softened.
Step 5: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add 500 grams (1 pound) of ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks and continue cooking until it changes from pink to white.
Step 6: Add the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the prepared sauce over it. Stir well and cook until the liquid mostly disappears, about 2 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in Shallots and Coriander
Mix in the chopped shallots/scallions (3 stems) and coriander/cilantro leaves (1 cup loosely packed). Remove from heat immediately.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the chicken stir-fry hot alongside steamed jasmine rice. For an authentic Thai presentation, you can optionally add slices of cucumber and tomato wedges on the plate. Garnish with extra chili and coriander if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have ground chicken, you can substitute it with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
Adjusting Spiciness
Feel free to adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference or substitute with mild peppers if desired.
Garnishing Options
Additional garnishes such as crushed peanuts or lime wedges can enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Mixing Sauce
To create a balanced flavor profile, combine light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
High Heat Stir-Frying
For optimal flavor and texture, heat oil in a wok or heavy-based skillet over high heat before adding garlic and chopped chilies. This quick cooking method helps to release the essential oils and aromas.
Sequential Cooking
Cook ingredients in a specific order: start with garlic and chili, then add onion, followed by ground chicken. This ensures that each ingredient is cooked to the right texture and contributes to the overall dish flavor.
Breaking Up Ground Chicken
As the ground chicken cooks, use a spatula to break it apart to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture in your stir-fry.
Adding Sauce
Once the chicken changes from pink to white, pour in the prepared sauce. Continue cooking until the liquid mostly evaporates to concentrate the flavors.
Finishing with Fresh Ingredients
After removing the dish from heat, stir in chopped shallots and fresh coriander. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish, enhancing the overall experience.
FAQ
What type of oil is best for stir-frying?
Peanut oil or vegetable oil is ideal for stir-frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Can I substitute ground chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To decrease spiciness, reduce the number of chilies used or remove the seeds before chopping. For more heat, add extra chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
What can I serve with this dish besides jasmine rice?
You may serve it with quinoa, whole grain rice, or even noodles for a different base option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This delightful stir-fry dish combines the savory flavors of ground chicken with aromatic herbs and spices, all enhanced by a well-balanced sauce. Served over steamed jasmine rice, it makes for a satisfying meal that showcases the essence of Thai cuisine. The combination of chilies, garlic, and coriander adds a vibrant touch that will surely impress your family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use a mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas instead of ground chicken. Substitute tofu for protein and adjust the sauce accordingly.
Seafood Variation
Replace ground chicken with shrimp or scallops. Adjust cooking time to ensure the seafood is cooked just right, enhancing the dish with fresh seafood flavors.
Noodle Bowl
Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles instead of jasmine rice, adding a bit more texture and making it a complete noodle bowl.
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Use ground beef in place of chicken and add additional spices such as black pepper or chili flakes for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground meat or chickpeas and enhance the volume with extra vegetables like carrots and zucchini.
