| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 7g | 1g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 4g | 3g | 1.1g |
The first time I crafted the Kencur Stir-fry: A quick and easy stir-fry that utilizes the unique flavor of Kencur, my palate was an instant convert, caught up in the unexpected dance of tropical fruits and aromatic roots. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its bright, bold colors, but also in the distinct and yet harmonious mix of flavors that take you on a culinary journey to the East.
The Unexpected Harmony of Flavors
Raised on a Montana ranch, my affinity for complex flavors and raw, natural ingredients was nurtured from a young age. I always found a unique joy in the fusion of the familiar and the exotic. When concocting the Kencur Stir-fry, I drew from this love for creating out-of-the-box flavor profiles. The kencur root, the star ingredient, brings a warm, slightly bitter taste that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the fruits.
Health Benefits & Companion Dishes
Just as important for food lovers, the Kencur root is known for its robust health properties such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. Plus, the generous amount of vegetables and tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya not only provide a good dose of vitamins and fiber but also start a riot of tanginess that’ll make your taste buds sing. The added pinch of pepper, and a splash of lime juice helps to accentuate the natural sweetness of the fruits and vegetables, while the brown sugar offers just a hint of caramel notes for depth. And let’s not forget the finishing touch – the fresh cilantro amplifies the overall zestiness and lends a beautiful color contrast to the dish.
If you’re wondering what pairings might work well with this delightful stir-fry, I’d recommend a clean, light protein like grilled fish or bison burgers to complement the vibrant flavors. And for a complete meal that truly figures in East and West, why not round it off with a slice of huckleberry pie? Its tart and sweet notes will balance out the savory and spicy flavors of the Kencur Stir-fry perfectly.
What You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons kencur root, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1.5 cups pineapple chunk
- 1 cup mango slices
- 1 cup papaya slices
- 1 cup carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1.5 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pepper to taste
- 1.5 tablespoons lime juice
- Cilantro, for garnish
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, or until the onion has softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Two
Next, add the finely chopped kencur root to the wok or skillet. Continue cooking for another minute, making sure to continuously stir the ingredients together.
Step Three
Then, add the bell pepper strip, pineapple chunks, mango slices, papaya slices, thinly sliced carrot, and red bell pepper slices into the wok or skillet. Stir everything together and let the ingredients cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are brightly colored and just tender.
Step Four
In the meantime, whisk the tamari or soy sauce, brown sugar, and pepper together in a separate bowl. Once the sauce is well-mixed, pour it over the cooking stir-fry, making sure to evenly distribute the sauce.
Step Five
Continue stirring and cooking the stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, so that the sauce can fully incorporate into the ingredients. Just before removing the stir-fry from the heat, add the lime juice and give the ingredients a final stir to make sure the lime juice is well distributed.
Step Six
To serve the Kencur Stir-fry, dish it out onto serving plates and garnish each plate with a few sprigs of cilantro. Enjoy while hot! Your delicious and easy Kencur Stir-fry is now ready to eat!
