Chicken and Nut Stir-fry

Chicken and Nut Stir-fry Recipe from Haiti

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

Introduction

Chicken and Nut Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken strips with crunchy cashews, fresh broccoli, and flavorful seasonings. This stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has been used for centuries to create flavorful and healthy dishes. The combination of chicken, nuts, and vegetables in a stir-fry is a popular choice in many Asian cuisines.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
2 small onions, cut into wedges (1 cup)
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp cooking sherry
1.5 tbsp cornstarch
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup chopped cashews
1 clove garlic, crushed
0.75 cup cold chicken broth or water
1 lb (454 g) fresh broccoli

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a medium bowl and add soy sauce, cooking sherry, salt, and garlic. Let it stand for 10 minutes.
Cut the broccoli tops into flowerets and the stems into 2" strips. Set them aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet until hot.
Add the chicken mixture to the skillet and stir-fry until lightly browned, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add cashews during the last minute of cooking.
Remove the chicken from the skillet using a slotted spoon to drain excess oil.
Add onions and broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and broth. Add this mixture to the skillet with the vegetables.
Cook and stir until the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 1 minute.
Add cashews and the reserved chicken to the skillet. Cook and stir for an additional minute.
If desired, serve the dish over steamed rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian option.
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and color.
Use different nuts such as almonds or peanuts for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

- Use a hot skillet or wok to quickly cook the ingredients and retain their crisp texture.

- Stir-fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the meat instead of browning it.

- Add the cashews at the end of cooking to preserve their crunchiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken and Nut Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: A quick cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a hot pan or wok with constant stirring.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

- Replace cashews with almonds, peanuts, or sesame seeds for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken and vegetable ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply stir-fry the ingredients together for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chicken and Nut Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. Serve with a side of hot and sour soup or egg drop soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 23g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 90% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts (cashews) and soy (soy sauce)

Summary

This Chicken and Nut Stir-fry is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a satisfying dinner.

Summary

Chicken and Nut Stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, this stir-fry is a satisfying and delicious option for dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Rosemary in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Rosemary was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas and the sound of sizzling pans.

On that particular day, Rosemary had decided to make us a special lunch. As I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on a cup of fragrant herbal tea, she bustled around the kitchen, chopping vegetables and marinating chicken. I watched her with fascination, marveling at her skill and ease in the kitchen.

"Would you like to help me with the stir-fry, dear?" Rosemary asked, flashing me a warm smile.

I eagerly jumped up from my seat and joined her at the stove. As she guided me through the process of making the stir-fry, I felt a spark ignite within me. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, but watching Rosemary work her magic in the kitchen that day inspired me in a way I had never felt before.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't help but ask Rosemary for the recipe. She laughed and handed me a well-worn piece of paper, covered in scribbles and stains. "This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family," she explained. "I'm happy to share it with you, my dear."

I carefully tucked the recipe into my purse, knowing that it would become a treasured addition to my own collection of recipes. Little did I know that this Chicken and Nut Stir-fry recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, loved by friends and family alike.

Over the years, I have made this stir-fry countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different vegetables, spices, and nuts, always striving to perfect the dish. And as I cook, I can't help but think of Rosemary and the day she introduced me to this delicious recipe.

One of my favorite memories of making this stir-fry is when my grandchildren come over for dinner. They always beg me to make "Grandma's famous Chicken and Nut Stir-fry," and I happily oblige. As they sit around the kitchen table, eagerly watching me cook, I can see the same spark of passion in their eyes that I felt all those years ago at Rosemary's cottage.

As I stir-fry the chicken and vegetables in my trusty wok, the familiar smells of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce fill the air. The sound of sizzling and the sight of colorful vegetables mingling with tender chicken bring me a sense of comfort and joy. And as I sprinkle the toasted nuts over the dish, I know that this meal will bring happiness and nourishment to those I love.

The recipe for Chicken and Nut Stir-fry is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. It represents the bond between friends, the joy of cooking, and the love shared around the table. It is a reminder of the moments spent in the kitchen, creating something delicious and meaningful to share with others.

And so, as I continue to make this stir-fry for my family and friends, I am grateful for the day I found this recipe and for the friendship that inspired it. Cooking has always been a source of joy and connection for me, and I hope that this recipe will bring that same joy to others for years to come.