Introduction
Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of ground chicken with fresh, vibrant vegetables. This stir fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The homemade stir fry sauce adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp veggies. Let’s dive into the details of the ingredients and preparation!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Stir Fry:
2 pounds ground chicken
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 pound broccoli, cut into small florets
1 red onion, roughly chopped
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onion
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy your Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sriracha. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is dissolved, then whisk this mixture into the stir fry sauce.
Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the ground chicken. Cook, breaking the chicken apart as it cooks, until it is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the sesame oil to the same skillet, then add the red bell pepper, shredded carrots, broccoli florets, and red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-6 minutes or until the vegetables become tender.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the stir fry sauce over the mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened, then remove from heat.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion, if desired.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Customization
Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice or adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs well with rice or quinoa as a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Stir Fry
Stir frying is a quick and healthy cooking technique that involves cooking food rapidly in a small amount of oil over high heat. Use a wok or a high-sided skillet for best results. Constantly stirring and tossing the ingredients helps to evenly cook and prevent burning.
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to combine ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing sauces. It is important to whisk vigorously to ensure that the ingredients, like cornstarch and water, are fully incorporated without lumps.
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the ingredients to achieve a nice sear and bring out the flavors, particularly when cooking vegetables.
Coating
Coating is the process of evenly applying a sauce or seasoning to food. In this stir fry, pour the sauce over the cooked ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly covered.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding decorative elements, like sesame seeds or chopped green onion, to enhance the presentation and flavor of a dish. Use fresh herbs or toppings that complement the main ingredients.
FAQ
Can I use another type of meat for this stir fry?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with other proteins such as turkey, beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can add more sriracha or other hot sauces to the stir fry sauce, or include sliced fresh chili peppers when cooking for extra heat.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to swap out broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots with other vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers of different colors based on your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the stir fry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just give it a quick stir before using.
What can I serve this stir fry with?
This stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can choose your preferred side to complete the meal.
Conclusion
The Ginger Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish packed with protein and vibrant vegetables. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, providing a satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The combination of ground chicken with fresh veggies and a savory stir fry sauce makes it a go-to recipe, easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Swap the ground chicken for thinly sliced beef and use the same vegetables and sauce for a classic dish that is sure to please.
Vegetarian Tofu Stir Fry
Replace the ground chicken with cubed firm tofu and add in extra vegetables like snap peas and baby corn for a delicious plant-based option.
Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple along with the vegetables and adjust the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
Spicy Shrimp Stir Fry
Use shrimp instead of chicken, add a bit more sriracha to the sauce, and include bell pepper and zucchini for a vibrant seafood dish.
Quinoa Chicken Stir Fry
Serve the stir fry over a bed of quinoa for added nutrients and to create a more filling meal while keeping the flavors intact.
Curry Chicken Stir Fry
Incorporate curry powder into the stir fry sauce for an aromatic and warming twist on the traditional ginger sesame flavor profile.
Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
Add roasted cashews to the cooked stir fry before serving for a crunchy texture paired with the softness of the vegetables.
