Introduction
This delicious chicken stir-fry is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the vibrant ingredients of Asian cuisine. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and satisfying rice noodles, this dish is not only quick and easy to make but also a healthy option for dinner any night of the week. Follow this recipe to create a meal that is sure to impress family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– 150–180 g (5–6 oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon cornflour (optional)
– 1 teaspoon oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
For the Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
– 1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) or Mirin
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
– 3 tablespoons water
For the Stir-Fry:
– 100 g (3.5 oz) dried rice noodles
– 1 tablespoon oil
– 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
– 1 small onion, sliced
– 1/2 bunch choy sum or other Asian greens, stems separated from leaves
– 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally
– 5–7 mushrooms, sliced
– Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with cornflour and 1 teaspoon of oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and set aside for marinating.
Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, Chinese cooking wine, white pepper, and water until well combined. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Soak the Noodles
Just before you start cooking, soak the rice noodles in hot water according to the package instructions until they are tender. Once done, drain the noodles and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sliced onion, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for approximately 1 minute until the chicken changes color from pink to white.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate the sliced carrot, choy sum stems, and red bell pepper into the wok. Stir-fry for another minute until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the wok and cook for an additional 30 seconds, mixing well with the other ingredients.
Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the soaked and drained rice noodles, choy sum leaves, and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together for about 1 minute until the choy sum leaves have wilted and the sauce has been absorbed. Be careful not to toss for more than 1.5 minutes to prevent the noodles from breaking.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Chicken Slicing
Make sure to slice the chicken breast thinly to ensure even cooking.
Cornflour
The cornflour is optional but can help give the chicken a slightly crispy texture.
Noodle Cooking
Ensure you do not over-soak the rice noodles, as this can lead to a mushy texture in the final dish.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to substitute other vegetables if choy sum is not available, such as bok choy or spinach.
Serving Suggestions
For added flavor, consider serving with additional soy sauce or chili sauce on the side.
Cook techniques
Marinating Chicken
Marinating chicken with cornflour and oil helps to tenderize the meat and gives it a better texture during cooking.
Preparing Sauce
Combining sauces and seasonings in a bowl before adding them to the stir-fry ensures that the flavors blend well and makes the cooking process smoother.
Soaking Noodles
Soaking dried rice noodles in hot water makes them tender, ensuring they can easily absorb flavors during the stir-fry.
Stir-Frying Aromatics
Cooking garlic and onion first enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Cooking them quickly over high heat releases their aromatic oils.
Cooking Chicken
Stir-frying the marinated chicken for a short time until it changes color locks in moisture and prevents it from becoming dry.
Adding Vegetables
Incorporating vegetables like carrots and bell peppers provides texture and color, as well as vital nutrients, while ensuring they remain slightly crisp.
Incorporating Mushrooms
Adding mushrooms last allows them to soften while also soaking up the flavors from the other ingredients without overcooking.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
Tossing soaked noodles with vegetables and sauce creates a uniform flavor profile, while the quick cooking prevents the noodles from breaking apart.
Garnishing
Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds visual appeal and enhances flavor just before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute with other noodles, but cooking times may vary depending on the type used.
What if I can’t find oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce can be used as an alternative, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any vegetables you enjoy, just ensure they have similar cooking times to avoid uneven texture.
Is the sugar necessary in the sauce?
The sugar is optional; it balances the flavors, but you may omit it if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce and ensure the noodles are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This delicious chicken stir-fry recipe brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice noodles. It’s an easy and quick dish that can be customized based on your ingredient availability and personal preferences, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Consider swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate additional vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for more nutrients and color.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb alternative to rice noodles.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki or sweet chili, to give your dish a new flavor profile.
