Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts
Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts Recipe from China
Introduction
Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with the fresh taste of cilantro and the crunch of peanuts. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
History
This recipe is inspired by traditional Asian flavors and ingredients, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and savory dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp roasted peanut oil
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 oz (28 g) honey-roasted peanuts (0.25 cup)
- 1 to 2 dried red chili peppers, crushed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 4 cup finely shredded napa cabbage or 2 cup hot cooked rice
How to prepare
- Heat roasted peanut oil in a heavy skillet measuring 10 inches over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook while stirring for 2 minutes.
- Add peanuts and crushed pepper, and cook while stirring for 3 minutes more or until chicken is just cooked through.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar, and cook while stirring for 2 minutes more.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in cilantro.
- Spoon over cabbage or rice.
- Serve immediately.
Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for the chicken.
- Add diced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Toasting the peanuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the amount of crushed pepper to suit your taste preferences for spiciness.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish, so be sure to use it generously.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served over steamed rice or shredded cabbage for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-frying the chicken and peanuts in a hot skillet ensures that they cook quickly and evenly.
- Adding the soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar at the end of cooking helps to infuse the dish with flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have roasted peanut oil, you can use vegetable or canola oil instead.
- Any type of pepper can be used in place of crushed pepper, depending on your spice preference.
- Substitute cilantro with parsley or basil if you prefer a different herb flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a few fresh cilantro leaves for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve in individual bowls or on a platter for a family-style meal.
Pairing Recommendations
Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of kimchi for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine for a refreshing beverage option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
Carbohydrates
This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
The roasted peanut oil and peanuts in this dish provide healthy fats that are essential for brain function and overall health. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Proteins
Chicken is a lean source of protein that is essential for muscle growth and repair. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and manganese. Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. Together, these ingredients provide a wide range of essential nutrients.
Alergens
This recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.
Summary
Overall, Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My mother had invited a neighbor over for dinner, and she brought along a dish that she had learned to make from her own grandmother.
The aroma of the cilantro and peanuts filled the air as she placed the steaming dish on the table. The chicken was tender and juicy, the cilantro added a refreshing flavor, and the peanuts gave it a satisfying crunch. I was instantly hooked.
I begged our neighbor to teach me how to make the dish, and she agreed. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and then cook it until it was golden brown. She taught me how to chop the fresh cilantro and roast the peanuts until they were fragrant and crunchy.
As I watched her cook, I listened intently to her stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me about the ingredients she used, where to find them, and how to adjust the seasoning to suit my own tastes.
After dinner, I thanked her profusely for sharing the recipe with me. I promised to practice and perfect it, just as she had done over the years. From that day on, Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts became a staple in our household.
Over the years, I continued to tweak and refine the recipe, adding my own little touches and variations. I experimented with different types of nuts, varying the amount of cilantro, and even trying different cuts of chicken. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that first time I saw it being made, and the love and care that went into preparing it.
As I grew older, I shared the recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition of making Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts. I taught them the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, and the joy of cooking for loved ones.
I also shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were always amazed at the unique combination of flavors in the dish. They would often ask me where I had learned to make it, and I would proudly tell them the story of my neighbor and her grandmother.
As the years passed, I continued to make Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a symbol of love and tradition in our family, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of our roots.
Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that first time I saw the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the women who came before me and passed down their recipes and culinary traditions. I am proud to carry on the legacy of Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts, and I hope that one day my own grandchildren will learn to make it and pass it down to future generations.
So if you ever find yourself craving a dish that is both comforting and flavorful, look no further than Cilantro Chicken with Peanuts. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, and I am honored to have learned it from such a wonderful and generous teacher.
Categories
| Chicken Breast Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Cilantro Recipes | Dried Chile Pepper Recipes | Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends | Honey Recipes | Napa Cabbage Recipes | Peanut Recipes | Rice Recipes | Rice Vinegar Recipes | Sesame Oil Recipes |