Introduction
Savor the delightful flavors of a delicious stir-fry featuring ground chicken and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory homemade sauce. This dish combines a variety of ingredients to create a satisfying meal that is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it brings together the tangy sweetness of hoisin sauce and honey with the earthy richness of sesame oil and ginger.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this vibrant stir-fry served hot over rice or noodles, with garnishes of green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and fresh flavor. Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Ground Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add broccoli florets, red bell pepper slices, shredded carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Combine and Cook:
Return the cooked ground chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
Serve:
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or bell peppers depending on availability and preference.
Adjusting Spice Levels:
For a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions:
This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodle dishes.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Incorporate all liquid ingredients for the sauce thoroughly by whisking them in a bowl. This creates a smooth mixture and ensures even flavor distribution.
Sautéing
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok to a medium-high temperature before adding ground chicken. This cooking method allows for quick browning and cooking through while retaining moisture.
Stir-frying
Use a high heat to quickly cook the vegetables while continuously stirring. This technique preserves their color, texture, and nutrients, ensuring they remain tender-crisp.
Combining
After cooking the chicken and vegetables, return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over, stirring to coat everything evenly. This helps in flavor absorption and creates a cohesive dish.
Garnishing
Add sliced green onions and sesame seeds as a final touch before serving. This enhances visual appeal and adds extra crunch and freshness.
FAQ
Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
What vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?
Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers of different colors, bok choy, or zucchini according to your preference.
How can I adjust the sauce for more spice?
To increase the spiciness, consider adding chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
What can I serve this stir-fry with?
It pairs well with cooked rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a healthy option.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just whisk it again before using.
Conclusion
This delicious stir-fry featuring ground chicken and vibrant vegetables comes together with a flavorful sauce that balances savory, sweet, and tangy elements. It’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for any night of the week. The combination of fresh ingredients and bold sauces not only enhances the taste but also makes for a visually appealing dish. Enjoy it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that will satisfy your cravings.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Tofu Stir-Fry
Substitute ground chicken with cubed tofu and include an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and bok choy for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Change the protein to thinly sliced beef and add a touch of chili paste to the sauce for some heat while incorporating bell peppers and zucchini.
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Replace chicken with shrimp, and add pineapple chunks along with bell peppers for a sweet and tangy twist, perfect for those who love seafood.
Quinoa Stir-Fry Bowl
Use cooked quinoa as a base, topping it with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry, and drizzle with the sauce for a nutritious grain bowl.
Chicken and Cauliflower Stir-Fry
Swap out broccoli for cauliflower florets and add some snow peas for a low-carb variation that maintains great flavors and textures.
