Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner

Authentic Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner Recipe | Easy & Delicious

Region / culture: Hawaii, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips, colorful vegetables, and sweet pineapple in a savory sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

History

Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner is a fusion of Asian and Hawaiian flavors, combining traditional stir-fry techniques with tropical ingredients like pineapple. This dish is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

3 cups of hot cooked rice
2 whole chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb or 227 g), skinned, boned, and cut into thin strips
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 10 oz (283 g) package of frozen Chinese-style crispy textured vegetables with seasonings
1 13.25 oz (7 g) can of pineapple tidbits (drained; reserve syrup)
1 tbsp of cornstarch
3 tbsp of soy sauce

How to prepare

While the rice is cooking, cook the chicken in butter for 2 minutes in a large skillet.
Add the vegetables and pineapple syrup. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
Blend the seasonings from the frozen vegetable package with cornstarch, soy sauce, and 0.25 cup of water.
Stir the mixture into the chicken mixture.
Add the pineapple and cook, stirring, until the sauce is clear and thickened, about 2 minutes.
Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Add in other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a large skillet to allow the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.

- Be sure to stir the sauce mixture well to ensure a smooth and thick consistency.

- Serve the stir-fry over fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner with a side of steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking ingredients in a hot pan with a small amount of oil. This method helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned pineapple for a fresher taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce mixture and cut the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner in a large serving bowl or on individual plates garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a glass of chilled pineapple juice for a complete Hawaiian-inspired 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

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and potassium from the vegetables and pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaii in this flavorful stir-fry dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful and vibrant picture caught my eye - Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner. The combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and sweet pineapple chunks was like a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I immediately asked Mrs. Jenkins where she got the recipe from, and she told me that it was passed down to her by her own grandmother who had learned it from a Hawaiian friend many years ago. I knew right then and there that I had to make this dish for my family.

I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need for the Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner. I went to the local market and carefully selected the freshest vegetables - bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and onions. I also picked up a ripe pineapple and a pack of boneless chicken breasts. I could hardly contain my excitement as I made my way back home.

As I prepped the vegetables and diced the chicken, I couldn't help but think about the Hawaiian friend who had originally shared this recipe. I imagined her cooking in a cozy kitchen, surrounded by loved ones, as she passed down her culinary knowledge through generations. I felt a sense of connection to her, even though I had never met her.

I heated up a large skillet and added a drizzle of oil, then tossed in the chicken pieces to brown. The sizzle of the meat as it cooked filled the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma. Next, I added the colorful vegetables and let them sauté until they were tender-crisp.

The final step was to add the pineapple chunks and a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and exotic.

When I served the Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner to my family that evening, their eyes lit up with delight. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma drew them in, and with the first bite, they knew this dish was something special. The tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and juicy pineapple were a perfect harmony of flavors that left us all wanting more.

As we enjoyed our meal together, I shared the story of how I came across the recipe and the connection I felt to the Hawaiian friend who had originally shared it. I could see that my family appreciated not just the delicious food, but also the love and care that went into creating it.

From that day on, Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us together, sparked conversations, and created lasting memories. I cherished the recipe not just for its taste, but for the stories and traditions that it carried with it.

Years passed, and I continued to make Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner for my family, passing down the recipe to my children and grandchildren. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to the Hawaiian friend who had first shared it with Mrs. Jenkins, and to all the generations of cooks who had lovingly prepared it before me.

As I look back on those moments spent in the kitchen, cooking up a batch of Hawaiian Stir-Fry Dinner, I am grateful for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me. The recipe may have originated in Hawaii, but it now holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of my loved ones. And for that, I am truly grateful.