Today, I’m excited to share my take on this traditional Chinese stir-fry, bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (preferably red for color), sliced
- 200g mushrooms, quartered
- 1 bunch chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp chili oil (for medium heat)
Let’s Wok and Roll!
- Prep the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and chili oil. Set aside.
- Heat things up: Place your wok over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add 1 tbsp of oil and swirl to coat.
- Chicken dance: Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Veggie party: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their aromatics. Add bell peppers and mushrooms, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender.
- Reunion time: Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glosses over the ingredients.
- Final flourish: Turn off the heat. Toss in the chives and sesame seeds, giving everything a final stir to combine.
Serving Suggestion
Spoon this fragrant stir-fry over a bed of steaming white rice. The rice will soak up all those delicious juices, creating a perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.
Wok Wisdom
- Heat is key: A screaming hot wok is the secret to that perfect stir-fry sear. If your wok isn’t hot enough, you’ll end up with a soggy mess instead of crisp, vibrant veggies.
- Keep it moving: Constant stirring prevents burning and ensures even cooking. Think of it as a culinary dance – you and your ingredients moving in perfect harmony!
- Prep is everything: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Once that wok heats up, things move fast!
Remember, the beauty of stir-frying lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins. The wok is your canvas, and you’re the artist!
Happy wokking, and may your kitchen be filled with the enticing aromas of China tonight!