| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 9g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 28g | 1.1g |
Each time I gather my ingredients to make the Stir-fried Chicken with Ginger dish, an avalanche of childhood memories engulf me. I recall the love-imbued, flavorful meals of my Nigerian parents, who somehow managed to fill every dish with the zesty spirit of West Africa, combined with the comforting notes of Southern cuisine. Having grown up in such a unique culinary partnership, I’ve developed a particular fondness for the Afro-Southern fusion of this special dish that holds a dear place in my heart.
A Taste Sensation That Transcends Borders
The Stir-fried Chicken with Ginger dish is a resplendent example of how seamlessly different flavors can coalesce into a gastronomic masterpiece. The tender pieces of chicken are beautifully accentuated by the aromatic zest of ginger, an ingredient that’s been widely utilized across numerous platforms of world cuisine. It’s reminiscent of the chicken stir-fries that envelop Southeast Asian gastronomy, which brilliantly fuse fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. The addition of pineapple also introduces a delightful tropical twist, mirroring the exotic allure of my West African roots.
A Nutrition Network
There are moments when I feel like a lawyer making a case for healthy, flavourful and chock-full-of-nutritious meals. This dish, beyond its irresistible taste profile, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. The chicken serves as a great source of lean protein while the colourful medley of bell peppers provides a wealth of antioxidants. Importantly, ginger – the star ingredient – comes laden with immense health benefits, from its anti-inflammatory effects to its capacity to support digestion. Coupled with vibrant pineapple chunks and a splash of vitamin C-rich orange juice, this stir-fry promises not just mouth-watering taste, but also the sustenance your body needs.
As versatile as it is delicious, the Stir-fried Chicken with Ginger complements many dishes, like a simple bed of steamed rice or a side of Jollof Rice to add an extra dimension to your mealtime. Equally, it can be savored on its own – letting the contrasting flavors take center stage and entice your palate.
Just like a treasured piece of art or a beloved book, this recipe is a cherished part of my life. Every time I make it, I am reminded of my roots and the beautiful fusion of flavors that define my culinary traditions. As you cook this dish in your home, I hope it brings the same enjoyment, nostalgia, and warmth to your table as it does mine.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by cutting the 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step Two
Heat up 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set them aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant. Then add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 thinly sliced large onion to the pan. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
Step Four
Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks to the pan and stir-fry for a further minute. The pineapple will release some juice which will aid in deglazing the pan and adding flavor.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of orange juice, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Then, slowly pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
Step Six
Once the mixture in the pan starts to simmer, return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine and coat the chicken in the sauce. Allow this to cook for a further 2-3 minutes.
Step Seven
In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup of water with a spoonful of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir. This will thicken the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. If the sauce is too thin, mix more cornstarch with water and add it to the pan, stirring consistently.
Step Eight
Once the chicken is cooked to your liking and the sauce is at your desired thickness, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with 3 sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your Stir-fried Chicken with Ginger!
