| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 10g | 3g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 35g | 1.13g |
It’s hard not to love a recipe like the Snake Gourd and Chicken Stir Fry, both for its medley of flavors and its multitude of nutritional benefits. As someone who grew up amid the fresh food markets and sun-kissed vineyards of California, I’ve always appreciated ingredients that come straight from Mother Earth. This dish bottles that sentiment, capturing the vibrancy of the West Coast in a flavorful stir fry. It’s a delightful fusion that pairs perfectly with a light California white wine, highlighting the meal’s wholesome, fresh taste.
The Harmony of Ingredients
The Snake Gourd and Chicken Stir Fry recipe exemplifies where health and comfort meet on a plate. Fresh snake gourd, crisp snap peas, and succulent chicken breasts come together to create a savory dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Tossed with soy and oyster sauces for that perfect orchestration of umami flavors, this stir fry infuses its chicken and vegetables with depth and character.
The Health Factor
This stir fry doesn’t just pack a punch with flavor; it’s also teeming with nutrients. Snake gourd, for instance, is known for its high fiber content and its abundance of vitamins, particularly A and C. It’s also a low-calorie vegetable, making it the perfect option for those aiming for a healthier diet. Combined with the lean protein found in chicken breasts and the vibrant assortment of other veggies, this is a nutritious, hearty meal sure to keep you and your family feeling wonderful and well-fed.
I also adore how customizable this recipe is. It’s in the likeness of many classic Asian stir-fries (such as Beef Stir Fry), allowing for a multitude of substitutions and variations. Whether you want to use a different type of gourd, add even more veggies, or switch out the chicken for tofu, this recipe is open to your culinary creativity.
In essence, the Snake Gourd and Chicken Stir Fry is a celebration of nutrient-rich food, Californian freshness, and American comfort. It’s a dish that sets out to satisfy on all fronts, and it wholeheartedly accomplishes that task. Give it a try, and experience the marriage of health and flavor firsthand.
What You’ll Need
- 2 Snake Gourds
- 2 lbs of boneless Chicken Breasts
- 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of Ginger, finely chopped
- 2 Green Onions, sliced
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 cup of Snap Peas
- 2 Carrots, julienned
- 3 tablespoons of Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons of Oyster Sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Cornstarch
- 1/2 cup of Chicken Broth
- 3 tablespoons of Cooking Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all of your ingredients. Rinse and cut the snake gourds into thin rounds. Also, slice the chicken breasts into strips. Mince the garlic, finely chop the ginger, slice the green onions, dice the red bell pepper and julienne the carrots. Set everything aside.
Step Two
In a large non-stick pan or wok, heat up the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped ginger. Saute these until they become fragrant. This will usually take about a minute.
Step Three
Add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook it, stirring often, until it is no longer pink in the middle. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Season the chicken with some salt and pepper as t cooks.
Step Four
Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the diced bell pepper, sliced green onions, julienned carrots and snap peas. Stir fry these until they become tender. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step Five
Incorporate the snake gourds to the pan. Continue to stir fry everything for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
Step Six
In a small mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch and chicken broth. Stir everything until it is well-combined.
Step Seven
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the pan. Stir everything well to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the sauce. Allow the dish to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step Eight
Once the sauce has thickened and the snake gourds are tender, turn off the heat. Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Your snake gourd and chicken stir fry is now ready to be served. Enjoy it on its own or with some steamed rice.
