Stir-Fried Chicken and Rice Delight
This stir-fried dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice for a delightful meal. The chicken is first marinated in savory soy sauce, allowing it to soak up rich flavors before being stir-fried to perfection. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spring onions add a variety of textures and colors to the dish, creating a visually appealing meal. Freshly grated ginger infuses a hint of spice, enhancing the dish's aromatic qualities. The balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates makes it a nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Quick to prepare, this recipe is ideal for busy weekdays or when you're craving a homemade meal without a lengthy preparation. It's adaptable for different dietary preferences by adding or substituting vegetables and proteins. Pair it with a light salad or a side of steamed veggies for a satisfying meal. Whether you're cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 200g Jasmine Rice
- 400g Chicken Breast Fillet
- 250g Button Mushrooms
- 1 Bell Pepper
- 1/2 Bunch of Spring Onions
- 6 tbsp Soy Sauce
Spices and Sauces:
- 6 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp Freshly Grated Ginger
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Rinse the Rice: Begin by thoroughly washing the jasmine rice under running water. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring the grains cook up fluffy and separate.
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rice according to package instructions until it's tender. Drain if necessary and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breast fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice them diagonally into thin strips for quicker cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce and let them marinate in a cool place while you prepare the vegetables.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wipe the mushrooms clean with a cloth and slice them thinly. Cut the bell pepper into quarters, remove seeds and partitions, and cut into large chunks.
- Chop the Spring Onions: Clean the spring onions, wash them, and chop into small pieces.
- Remove Chicken from Marinade: Drain the chicken strips from the marinade, setting the marinated soy sauce aside for later use.
- Stir-Fry the Chicken: Heat half of the vegetable oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they're golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the pan. On very high heat, stir-fry the mushrooms, bell peppers, and spring onions for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Ginger and Soy Sauce: Add the freshly grated ginger and reserved soy sauce to the vegetables, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Rice and Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan with the vegetables, adding the cooked rice. Mix everything well.
- Season: Season the entire mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final Heat: Ensure everything is thoroughly heated and fully combined, stirring gently to prevent the rice from breaking.
- Serve Hot: Serve the stir-fried chicken and rice immediately, garnishing with any remaining spring onion greens for a fresh crunch.
Tips
- Rice Variety: You can use basmati or long-grain rice for a different texture if jasmine rice isn't available.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Broccoli or snap peas are excellent additions for added color and nutrients.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute tofu or shrimp for a unique twist, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fats: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken and swap soy sauce for tamari if gluten-free is desired.
- Spicy Twist: Add red chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- With Salad: Pair with a green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette.
- As a Bowl: Serve in bowls topped with sesame seeds for added texture.
Best Places
- Din Tai Fung - Renowned for its exceptional dumplings and stir-fries. Location: Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Hakkasan - Offers a luxurious take on modern Chinese cuisine. Location: Hanway Place, London, UK.
- Lung King Heen - Michelin-starred restaurant known for exquisite Cantonese dishes. Location: Central, Hong Kong.
- Mott 32 - A blend of traditional and progressive dishes. Location: 4th Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Building, Hong Kong.
- Hwa Yuan Szechuan - Offers authentic flavors that take you straight to Sichuan. Location: East Broadway, New York, USA.
- The Chairman - Focuses on using seasonal ingredients for authentic Cantonese dishes. Location: Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.
- Yu's Family Kitchen - Known for carefully crafted Sichuan dishes. Location: Jinjiang, Chengdu, China.
- Sichuan Folk - Offers a range of spicy delicacies. Location: Clayhall, London, UK.
- Din Tai Fung - Famous for xiao long bao and other delicacies. Location: Bellevue, Washington, USA.
- Lei Garden - Offers a variety of classic Chinese dishes. Location: Mong Kok, Hong Kong.