Flavor Blasted Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry
From James's Wiki
Ingredients
- Chicken & Prep:
- 1 lb Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 pinch Salt
- The Clingy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Broth (Chicken or Beef)
- 3 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice
- Aromatics:
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh ginger, grated
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes
- Vegetables:
- 3–4 cups total of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snap peas.
Instructions
- Velvet the Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tsp cornstarch and salt. Let it rest while prepping other ingredients to lock in moisture.
- Sear the Meat: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add chicken and cook until just opaque (about 3 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Steam-Fry Veggies: Add a splash of oil to the same pan. Stir-fry vegetables for 2 minutes. Pour in 2 tbsp water and immediately cover with a lid for 60–90 seconds. This removes the raw crunch without making them squashy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove the lid. Push vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and pepper flakes to the center. Cook for 30 seconds until very fragrant.
- Combine: Return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the pan.
- Thicken and Finish: Give the sauce mixture a final whisk and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Toss constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is dark, glossy, and thick.
The Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown rice
- 2 cups Chicken or Beef broth (replaces water)
- 1 clove Garlic, smashed (keep whole)
- 1 slice Fresh ginger
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Butter
- Optional: A drop of sesame oil for the finish
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Season the Pot: In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, broth, smashed garlic, ginger slice, and soy sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately turn the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Cook Time: Simmer for 45 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time, as the steam is required for a soft texture.
- Resting Phase: Remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
- Final Finish: Remove and discard the garlic clove and ginger slice. Stir in the butter and optional sesame oil. Fluff with a fork before serving.