Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry

Authentic Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry Recipe from China

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

Introduction

Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry is a delicious and healthy dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This stir-fry is packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful sauce that will satisfy your taste buds.

History

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

Ingredients

2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp low-salt soy sauce
1 tbsp peanut oil
1.5 cups julienne-cut carrot
2 cups fresh snow pea pods or sugar snap peas, or 1 (6 oz (170 g)) package frozen pea pods, thawed and drained
0.75 cup sliced green onions
2 tsp (or more) grated fresh gingerroot
2.5 cups cubed (0.75 inch), cooked chicken breast

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and sugar, and mix well.
Add water and soy sauce, and mix until smooth. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add carrots and stir to coat.
Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Add snow pea pods or snap peas, green onions, and gingerroot, and cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir in chicken and cornstarch mixture.
Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and is thoroughly heated.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
Add a spicy kick by including red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to julienne-cut the carrots and slice the green onions thinly for even cooking.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying to ensure that the vegetables stay crisp-tender.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or water chestnuts for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while constantly stirring to ensure even cooking. Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.

- Substitute snow peas or sugar snap peas for the pea pods if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prep the vegetables and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Presentation Ideas

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

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a light cucumber salad for a complete and balanced 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

Total Fat: 7g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110% DV

- Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry is a nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and Pea Pod Stir-fry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah in her cozy little kitchen. As we chatted and sipped on ice-cold lemonade, she suddenly jumped up and started rummaging through her pantry.

"I have the perfect recipe for lunch today," she exclaimed, pulling out a bag of frozen peas and a pack of chicken breast. "It's a chicken and pea pod stir-fry that my mother used to make when I was a child. It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious."

I watched with fascination as she effortlessly chopped up the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sliced the pea pods into thin strips. She then heated up the wok and added a splash of oil, tossing in the chicken and stirring it until it was cooked through. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply irresistible.

As she added the pea pods and a handful of seasonings, the colors in the wok brightened and the dish came together beautifully. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of her labor. And let me tell you, it was love at first bite.

The crunch of the pea pods, the tender chicken, and the burst of flavors from the seasonings all combined to create a dish that was truly unforgettable. I begged Sarah for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me on a little scrap of paper.

From that day on, the chicken and pea pod stir-fry became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy weeknights. It was a dish that never failed to impress and delight.

But as much as I loved the recipe, I knew that there was always room for improvement. So I started experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, tweaking the recipe here and there to make it my own. I added a splash of soy sauce for extra umami, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, and a dash of chili flakes for a kick of heat.

I also learned to balance the flavors and textures in the dish, making sure that the chicken was tender, the pea pods were crisp, and the seasonings were perfectly balanced. It took time and practice, but eventually, I perfected my own version of the chicken and pea pod stir-fry.

Over the years, I shared my recipe with friends and family, passing it down from generation to generation. It became a cherished tradition in our family, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the simple joys of good food and good company.

And as I look back on all the memories and moments that have been shared over a steaming plate of chicken and pea pod stir-fry, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought us all closer together. It may have started with a simple dish in a friend's kitchen, but it has since become a symbol of love, tradition, and the power of good food to bring people together.

So here's to the chicken and pea pod stir-fry, a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of those who have shared it with me. And here's to the magic of cooking, the joy of sharing, and the beauty of creating something delicious and unforgettable. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good memories.