When it comes to whipping up a quick and delicious meal, chicken stir fry is a go-to option for many. It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the best chicken stir fry that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
Preparing the Chicken
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients for the chicken marinade:
- 300g Boneless Chicken
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Chicken seasoning or 1 Bouillon
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tbsp Cornflour
Begin by seasoning your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, chicken seasoning, salt, and cornflour. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated with the flavorful blend. Cover the bowl with cling film and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination is also an option for deeper flavor.
Crafting the Slurry
Now, let’s prepare the delectable sauce, or what we call the slurry. Gather these ingredients:
- 4 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 4 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cooking Wine
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/3 Cup Ketchup (or Tomato Paste for a tangy twist)
- 1/3 Cup Sweet Chilli Sauce
- 2 tbsp Cornflour
- 2 tsp Chicken Seasoning
In a mixing bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, sesame oil, ketchup (or tomato paste), sweet chili sauce, cornflour, and chicken seasoning. Give it a good stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This sauce will be the heart and soul of your chicken stir fry.
Gathering Ingredients for the Stir Fry
For the main event, the stir-fry itself, you’ll need:
- 3 Bell Peppers (yellow and red for vibrant color)
- Spring Onions
- 1/2 Small Onion
- 2 Chilli Peppers
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Minced Ginger
Feel free to customize your stir fry by adding other vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots. These can add even more flavor and texture to your dish.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken until it’s fully cooked and has a beautiful brown coating. This should take about 6-7 minutes. Be cautious not to add too much oil, as long as your pan is nonstick, a moderate amount should suffice.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl.
Stir Frying the Vegetables
- In the same pan with the residual oil, add minced ginger and garlic.
- Fry for about two minutes until aromatic, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chopped onions and continue frying for another two minutes.
- Toss in the chili peppers and bell peppers. Remember to crank up the heat to high for that desirable crunchiness.
- Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Bringing It All Together
- Pour in the prepared slurry.
- Mix everything thoroughly and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes. If you prefer a saucier stir fry, you can double the slurry ingredients or add some chicken broth for extra liquid.
- Finally, add back the cooked chicken and spring onions.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about a minute.
And there you have it – the perfect chicken stir fry that’s bursting with flavor and texture! This mouthwatering dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making you their go-to chef for stir fry nights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making the best chicken stir fry is all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By marinating the chicken, crafting a delicious slurry, and stir-frying the ingredients just right, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your preferences, and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of boneless chicken thighs?
- Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. It will work just as well in this recipe.
- Is there a substitute for cooking wine?
- You can use rice wine or vinegar as a substitute for cooking wine.
- Can I skip using chicken bouillon cubes?
- If you prefer, you can use regular salt instead of chicken bouillon cubes.
- What vegetables can I add to my stir fry?
- You can add broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots for extra variety and flavor.
- How can I make my stir fry saucier?
- You can double the slurry ingredients or add chicken broth to achieve a saucier consistency.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making the best chicken stir fry, it’s time to impress your loved ones with this delicious and savory dish. Enjoy your culinary journey, and happy cooking!