Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh ginger and garlic, creating a satisfying meal that’s both quick and nutritious. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party. Not only is it delicious, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to create it in your own kitchen!

Reasons to Love Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry

There are many reasons to fall in love with this Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry. Here are a few highlights:

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be on your table in less than 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and ginger adds a robust flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome meal.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pan.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you start cooking, here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to gather:

• 11-inch knob fresh ginger, minced – For that spicy zing.
• ¾ cup reduced sodium soy sauce or GF tamari – The salty backbone of our sauce.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for flavor.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar or sugar substitute like monk fruit – Balances the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil – Adds depth and nuttiness.
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch – For thickening the sauce.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons chili paste, to taste – For a spicy kick.
• 1 ½ pounds thin sliced boneless chicken breast cutlets, sliced into thin strips – The star protein of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For cooking the chicken.
• 1 medium red onion, cut into ½-inch chunks – Provides sweetness and texture.
• 15 ounces baby bok choy, roughly chopped (about 6 cups) – Adds color and crunch.
• ⅓ cup dry-roasted peanuts, crushed, for garnish – For a delightful crunch.
• ¾ cup fresh Thai or traditional basil, torn – For a fresh finish.
• Coconut jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice, optional for serving – Complements the stir-fry perfectly.

Cook’s Kit

Make sure you have these essential tools before you start cooking:

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying at high heat.
• Sharp knife: For slicing chicken and vegetables.
• Cutting board: To keep your prep organized.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in your ingredients.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: To stir and toss the ingredients.

Make Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry: A Simple Method

Now let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the minced ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil, cornstarch, and chili paste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Once hot, add the red onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Then add the bok choy and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the leaves are wilted and bright green.

Step 4: Combine and Cook

Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the stir-fry from heat. Garnish with crushed dry-roasted peanuts and torn basil. Serve over coconut jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Make It Your Way

This Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste:

• Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
• Use different nuts such as cashews or almonds for a variety of textures.
• Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or green onions for garnish.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.

Author’s Commentary

As a food enthusiast, I can’t express how much I adore quick and delicious meals like this Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something nutritious and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of ginger and garlic in this dish is simply delightful, and the textures of the tender chicken with crunchy vegetables make every bite enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

This Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply use a microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.
• For meal prep, you can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on cooking day.
• Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I make this stir-fry in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and cook the stir-fry in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for bok choy?

If you can’t find bok choy, feel free to use other greens like spinach, kale, or even broccoli.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What should I serve with Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry?

This stir-fry pairs well with coconut jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice!

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Bring It Home

Garlic-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its vibrant flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, this recipe allows you to enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal that you can feel good about serving. So gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and get ready to savor every bite of this delightful stir-fry!