Simple Steps to Flavorful Homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients for Homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry
You’re probably wondering what goes into this fantastic stir fry. So, let’s not keep you waiting. Here’s a list of exactly what you’ll need to whip up this homemade string bean chicken stir fry.
Your primary ingredients are the chicken and string beans. Go for one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and about a cup of fresh string beans.
For the sauce, you’ll require:
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
For the most authentic taste, we’d suggest investing in a good quality oyster sauce. Although, you can experiment with a vegetarian variant if you’re not a fan of seafood flavors.
To help it all come together, you’ll also need:
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium-sized red bell pepper
The garlic and bell pepper add a nice kick and importantly, up the vegetable intake. Remember, the more colorful your plate, the healthier it likely is!
To bring a unique edge to your dish, you might consider throwing in a teaspoon of Szechuan peppercorns. Unusual yet amazing, these peppercorns can give your stir fry an extra layer of heat and depth.
While we’re at it, let’s glance at the nutritional value of our recipe. Per serving, it packs:
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 284 | 16g | 29g | 11g |
This dish is moderate in protein & low in carbs, making it a clever choice if you’re watching your daily intake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’re prepped with your ingredients, let’s dive right into cooking your Homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry.
Preparation Stage:
Start off by slicing your chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. For flavor, marinate your chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and set it aside for 15-20 minutes.
While your chicken is marinating, wash and trim your string beans. Then slice them into 2 inch long pieces. Dice up your bell pepper and finely chop your garlic.
Cooking Stage:
Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat up. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they’re brown and crisp, typically around 7-10 minutes.
After your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil, followed by the string beans. Stir-fry them for around 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green.
Next, stir in your bell pepper and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
For an authentic aromatic punch, add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns, crushed. If you don’t have these on hand, you can experiment with other spices like crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Pour in 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce. You’re looking for a quality oyster sauce to ensure an authentic Asian flavor.
Finally, stir everything together for a couple of minutes, until the sauce coats everything and all the flavors meld together. Remember, don’t rush the cooking, it’s all about taking your time to fully develop and combine the flavors.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s pretty adaptable. You can add any veggies you fancy, or if you’re going vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Cooking the Chicken and String Beans
Here’s where the magic happens. Grab your marinated chicken out of the fridge and let’s start cooking. Fire up your wok or large pan on medium-high heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Once hot, pop in the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they’re brown and crispy. That’s the kind of stir fry flavor we are after.
While your chicken’s sizzling away, it’s time to lay the groundwork for the vegetables. Snap off the ends of your string beans and cut them into two-inch-long pieces. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other types of vegetables too, like snow peas or broccoli – it’s your stir fry, after all.
As the chicken gets crispy, it’s time to make things more interesting. Toss in your string beans, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic in the sizzling wok. The goal is to retain some crunch in the veggies while cooking them enough to draw out those beautiful flavors.
Something that will truly elevate your stir fry is the use of Szechuan peppercorns. You might not find them in an average stir fry recipe, but trust me, it’s worth the extra search. They’re a game changer, lending an unique, mouth-numbing flavor to the dish.
Lastly, pour that good quality oyster sauce over everything. You’ll notice the difference in taste – believe me. It brings out an authentic Asian flavor that’s hard to beat.
One of the beauties of this dish is its versatility. Don’t have chicken in the fridge? No worries. Swap it out with protein options like tofu or tempeh – an excellent choice for our vegetarian friends.
Making the Savory Sauce
Let’s swivel our focus to creating the savory sauce that’s key to elevating the flavor of your String Bean Chicken Stir Fry. As much as it’s your cooking methods that contribute to the dish’s end result, the choice of ingredients you use especially for the sauce, plays an equally crucial part.
Start with 2 tablespoons of quality oyster sauce. Majority of leading chefs recommend using high-quality oyster sauce because it’s a foolproof way to ensure an authentic Asian taste. However, remember that all oyster sauces are not created equal. Some brands may contain MSG. If you’re sensitive to this ingredient, look for an option that’s MSG-free.
Next, take 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce. Not all soy sauces are the same. The light variant offers a saltier and less intense flavor compared to its dark counterpart. This makes it perfect for stir-fry dishes where you don’t want the sauce to overpower the other ingredients.
Adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch may seem surprising. But it’s a smart move. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving your sauce the right consistency. It’s a little trick to ensure your sauce doesn’t pool at the bottom of your dish but evenly coats your tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
Infuse your sauce with a bit of edge by adding 1 tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns. A unique addition for any stir-fry, and it’ll offer a tingling, numbing flavor that’s quite distinctive of the Szechuan cuisine. If you don’t have these peppercorns handy, you can use black or white ones. Just take note, it won’t give the same numbing sensation but will still add a much-needed spiciness.
Ensure you have these ingredients on the ready:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oyster Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Light Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon |
| Szechuan Peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
Now you know how to build a savory stir-fry sauce. So go ahead and continue to the next part of the cooking process. Keep your sauce ingredients nearby—you’ll be needing them in a bit.
Putting It All Together
Moving on to the crucial, exciting process, let’s talk about uniting our set ingredients. Remember, in a top-notch String Bean Chicken Stir Fry, every element interacts harmoniously.
Start with the chicken. Make sure it’s boneless and skinless. Opt for the breast or thigh – both work great. You’ll need about 1lb or 500g of chicken. Cube it into bite-sized pieces for maximum flavor absorption.
Next, tackle the beans. Go for young, tender string beans. You’re looking at using around 2 cups of them, chopped into 2-inch segments. An added benefit? They’re a **rich source of fiber and Vitamins A, C, and K!
Let’s heat things up! Preheat your wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add about two tablespoons of oil—prefer canola or vegetable. Toss in minced garlic (about 2 cloves worth) and wait until it sizzles – it’s the sign of a well-heated wok!
Time for the chicken to join the wok. Stir fry until it turns a gorgeous golden. Remove it promptly to avoid overcooking. Remember, it’s returning to the stir fry later.
The string beans come in next. Stir fry those beauties until they’re vibrant green and crisp. Pour in the savory sauce lovingly concocted of oyster and light soy sauces while including that extra kick of Szechuan peppercorns you’ve been saving for this moment.
Return your golden nuggets – the chicken – back to the wok. Stir fry everything together until it’s well-coated in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a bit till the flavors fully penetrate.
Your homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry is now ready to serve! Pair it with steamed jasmine rice for an authentic Asian meal experience.
Ah! Your kitchen probably smells like a top-end, bustling Asian restaurant right now, doesn’t it? And just think, it’s not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter leading to a delicious meal experience. So go ahead, enjoy your culinary creation!
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken (Boneless and Skinless) | 1lb or 500g |
| String Beans | 2 cups |
| Canola or Vegetable Oil |
Conclusion
So, you’ve journeyed through the steps of crafting your homemade String Bean Chicken Stir Fry. You’ve seen how the harmony of all ingredients can elevate your dish to new heights. You’ve prepared the chicken and string beans, stir-fried them to perfection, and brought it all together with a savory sauce. And let’s not forget, you’ve paired this delightful stir fry with jasmine rice, enhancing the authenticity of your Asian meal. Now, it’s time to sit back, savor your culinary masterpiece, and take pride in your cooking skills. Remember, every bite is a testament to your dedication and love for food. So, go ahead and enjoy your String Bean Chicken Stir Fry. You’ve earned it!
