| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 7g | 1g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 51g | 1.05g |
Being a Texan, I’m not a stranger to the tempting combination of heat and flavor. Today, I present to you the tantalizing Spicy Chicken and Hijiki Stir Fry. It is a wonderful mélange of flavors that marries the comforting, hearty Texas-style chicken cooking with the nuanced, diverse flavors of Asian cuisine.
A Flavorful Fusion
This recipe is both ambitious and inspiring; it brings together an interesting twist of ingredients that you wouldn’t necessarily expect to blend well…but trust me, they do! The spiciness from the crushed red pepper flakes, the unmistakable umami from the soy sauce, and the tangy hint of rice vinegar create an intoxicating bouquet of flavors that’s balanced out by the freshness of vegetables and the savory chicken pieces. What’s not to love?
Health and Flavors in Harmony
Furthermore, this Spicy Chicken and Hijiki Stir Fry isn’t just about taste. It’s also about nourishing your body. The dish is packed with protein from the chicken, while the hijiki seaweed is a great source of dietary fiber, essential minerals and vitamins like iodine, calcium, iron, and vitamin K. You’ll also get a good dose of vitamin A from the carrots. And let’s not forget the antioxidants from the red bell peppers and onions. There really is a medley of health benefits in this one dish!
It reminds me of the down-to-earth way we cooked in Texas with an added flair, similar to the vibrant Tex-Mex dishes I grew up with, but with a slightly healthier and refreshing twist. If you’re a fan of fajitas or any stir-fry dishes, you’ll adore this one just as much. In fact, pair it with some lightly seasoned brown rice or quinoa and you’re set for a hearty lunch or dinner. Here is a simple yet effective guide on how to prepare brown rice.
So, whether you’re in the mood for something comforting or you’re embarking on a journey of culinary discovery, the Spicy Chicken and Hijiki Stir Fry is a dish that’s sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup hijiki seaweed, soaked and drained
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir frying
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Soak the hijiki seaweed in water until it’s soft, then drain it. Slice the carrots, red bell peppers, and onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, and stir fry until it’s cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Stir in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir fry these for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and the garlic is aromatic.
Step Four
Now, add the sliced carrots and bell peppers to the pan. Stir fry these for another 3-4 minutes, until they’re slightly soft. Add the soaked and drained hijiki seaweed to the pan as well, and stir to mix.
Step Five
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.
Step Six
Serve the Spicy Chicken and Hijiki Stir Fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a steamed rice or noodles as you like.
