Cantonese Chicken with Rice

Cantonese Chicken with Rice Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cantonese Chicken with Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Cantonese Chicken with Rice is a traditional Chinese dish that has been enjoyed for centuries in the Canton region of China. This dish is known for its use of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers around the world.

Ingredients

4 tsp cornstarch, divided
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp minced ginger or 0.5 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
2 whole chicken breasts (about 1 lb (454 g)), skinned, boned, and cut into thin strips
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can sliced mushrooms
1 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup diagonally sliced celery, cut 0.25 inch thick
0.5 cup sliced onion
1 x 6 oz (170 g) package frozen (or 2 cups fresh) snow peas
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Combine 1 tbsp of cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, pepper, and 1 tbsp of oil.
Pour the mixture over the chicken and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Drain the mushrooms and reserve the liquid. Add enough water to make 0.5 cup.
Stir in the remaining 1 tsp of cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
Cook the chicken in the remaining 1 tbsp of oil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Do not let the chicken brown.
Add celery, onion, snow peas, and mushrooms. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the reserved liquid and heat for about 1 minute until the sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Be sure to marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a wok or large skillet to stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat for the best results.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Cantonese Chicken with Rice can be served on its own as a complete meal or paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition. It can also be served with a side of steamed white rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: This recipe uses the stir-frying technique to quickly cook the ingredients over high heat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a substitute for cornstarch.

- Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- Chop the vegetables in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cantonese Chicken with Rice in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

- Serve with a side of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a traditional Chinese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Soy

Summary

Cantonese Chicken with Rice is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and fats, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Cantonese Chicken with Rice is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delicious meal with family and friends for a satisfying and nutritious dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Cantonese Chicken with Rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. I remember my mother bustling around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and preparing to make this delicious dish for dinner.

As I watched her work, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly chopped vegetables, marinated the chicken, and cooked everything together in a fragrant sauce. The aroma that filled our tiny kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the meal was finally ready, my family gathered around the table and dug in. The chicken was tender and flavorful, the vegetables perfectly crisp, and the rice fluffy and fragrant. It was a meal to remember, and one that I knew I had to learn how to make myself.

Over the years, I watched my mother make Cantonese Chicken with Rice countless times, carefully taking note of each step and ingredient. I asked her questions, practiced alongside her, and eventually, I became confident enough to make the dish on my own.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Cantonese Chicken with Rice for my loved ones. It became a staple in our household, a comforting and delicious meal that brought us together at the end of a long day.

But my journey with this recipe didn't stop there. As I moved to different cities, countries, and continents, I encountered new versions of Cantonese Chicken with Rice that had been passed down through generations of families. Each one had its own unique twist, its own special flavor profile, and its own story to tell.

I remember the time I spent in Hong Kong, where I learned to make a spicier version of the dish that was popular in the bustling street markets. The addition of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns gave the chicken a fiery kick that was both addicting and unforgettable.

Then there was the time I spent in San Francisco, where I discovered a fusion version of Cantonese Chicken with Rice that incorporated local ingredients like avocado and cilantro. It was a refreshing and modern take on a classic dish, and one that I couldn't wait to share with my family back home.

As the years passed, I collected recipes for Cantonese Chicken with Rice from friends, neighbors, and strangers I met along the way. Each one brought something new to the table, whether it was a secret ingredient, a special cooking technique, or a heartwarming story behind the dish.

And now, as I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. The recipe for Cantonese Chicken with Rice has not only nourished my body over the years, but it has also nourished my soul, connecting me to my past, my present, and the countless people who have shared their love of cooking with me.

So as I serve up a steaming bowl of Cantonese Chicken with Rice to my family tonight, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of adventure. Because for me, this dish is not just a meal – it's a story, a tradition, and a legacy that I am proud to pass down to future generations.