Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice

Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice Recipe - Traditional Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and savory vegetables with fluffy brown rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cultures, with variations that include different meats, vegetables, and seasonings. The addition of walnuts to this recipe adds a unique crunch and nutty flavor that sets it apart from traditional fried rice dishes.

Ingredients

4.5 tsp of vegetable oil, divided
2 beaten eggs
0.5 cup of chopped walnuts
0.75 lb (340 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
0.5 tsp of ground white pepper
1 cup of thinly sliced fresh mushrooms
0.5 cup of thinly sliced carrots
0.5 cup of thinly sliced green onions
1.5 tsp of grated fresh ginger
3 cups of cooked brown rice, chilled
2 tbsp of soy sauce

How to prepare

Heat 1.5 tsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until hot.
Add eggs and cook, without stirring, until set. Invert the skillet over a baking sheet to remove the cooked eggs; cut them into strips. Set aside.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add walnuts and stir-fry until lightly browned.
Sprinkle the chicken with pepper.
Add the chicken, mushrooms, carrots, onions, and ginger to the skillet; stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
Stir in the rice and egg strips; sprinkle with soy sauce.
Toss lightly and heat thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different flavor.
Add pineapple chunks or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Use cashews or almonds instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the cooked brown rice before using it in this recipe to prevent it from becoming mushy.

- Cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to retain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique used in this recipe to quickly cook the ingredients over high heat while retaining their texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite vegetables, protein sources, or nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Be sure to chill the cooked rice before using it in the recipe.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing white wine or a cold glass of green tea for a perfect 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.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 18 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, soy, and walnuts. Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice. It was a sunny afternoon in the bustling streets of Chinatown, where I found myself wandering through the vibrant market stalls filled with exotic ingredients and aromatic spices. As I perused the various stalls, my eyes fell upon a small, unassuming vendor selling freshly made fried rice that wafted tantalizing scents of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Intrigued by the delicious aroma, I approached the vendor and struck up a conversation with the kindly old man behind the counter. He shared with me his family recipe for Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice, a dish that had been passed down through generations and perfected over time. I could see the pride in his eyes as he spoke about the delicate balance of flavors and textures in the dish, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

With a promise to cherish and respect his recipe, the old man agreed to teach me the secrets of his Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice. We spent the rest of the afternoon huddled in his tiny kitchen, surrounded by steaming pots and sizzling woks, as he guided me through each step of the cooking process with patience and precision.

The key, he explained, was in the preparation of the ingredients. The chicken had to be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to infuse it with flavor before being stir-fried until golden and crispy. The walnuts were toasted to bring out their nutty richness, and the rice had to be cooked and chilled overnight to ensure the perfect texture.

As we worked together, I watched in awe as the simple ingredients transformed before my eyes into a dish that was both fragrant and flavorful. The subtle sweetness of the walnuts balanced perfectly with the savory chicken and tender rice, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue with each bite.

By the time we had finished cooking, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the kitchen as we sat down to enjoy our creation. The old man smiled at me with a twinkle in his eye, his wrinkled hands clasped around his bowl of Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice.

"This recipe is more than just food," he said softly. "It is a piece of my family's history, a connection to the past that will live on through you and your loved ones. I trust you to honor it and share it with others, so that they too may experience the joy of this dish."

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and a stomach full of delicious fried rice, I bid farewell to the old man and Chinatown, carrying with me the precious recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

To this day, whenever I make Chicken and Walnut Fried Rice, I am transported back to that moment in Chinatown, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a bustling market and the warm embrace of a new friend. And as I serve the dish to my family and friends, I share not only a meal but a story of tradition, love, and the power of food to bring people together.