Recipe - Chicken Stir-Fry

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that's as speedy as it is scrumptious—the world of chicken stir-fry. This dish is a symphony of colors, flavors, and textures, where succulent chicken meets a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, all harmonizing in a delectable, savory sauce. But here's the kicker: it's not just about taste; it's about time. In less than half an hour, you can transform humble ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. In this article, we'll be your guide through the art of crafting an irresistible chicken stir-fry, complete with preparation and cooking times. Whether you're short on time or simply craving an explosion of flavor, this is your ticket to culinary bliss.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch (2.5cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
1 cup snap peas, trimmed
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Method

- Start by slicing the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside.

- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. This will be your flavorful stir-fry sauce.

- Place a wok or a large skillet over high heat and add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until it shimmers, which should only take a minute or so.

- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

- Add the sliced chicken to the wok or skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it turns white and is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside.

- In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas.

- Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.

- Return the cooked chicken to the wok or skillet with the stir-fried vegetables.

- Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through.

- Your chicken stir-fry is now ready to be served! You can garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.