Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry
Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry Recipe - Quick and Easy Chinese Dish
Introduction
Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry. This stir-fry is packed with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
History
Stir-fries have been a popular cooking method in Asian cuisine for centuries. The technique involves quickly cooking bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables in a hot pan, often with a flavorful sauce. This particular recipe puts a modern twist on the traditional stir-fry by using frozen chicken stir-fry mix for convenience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 (3 oz (85 g)) package of low-fat ramen noodles, uncooked and crumbled
- cooking spray
- 1 (24 oz (680 g)) package of frozen chicken stir-fry mix (such as Contessa)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper
- 0.33 cup unsalted peanuts, coarsely chopped
How to prepare
- Pour water into a large nonstick skillet and bring it to a boil.
- Discard the seasoning packet from the ramen noodles and add the noodles to the boiling water.
- Cook the noodles for 4 minutes or until they are tender, then drain them.
- Wipe the pan dry with paper towels and coat it with cooking spray.
- Heat the pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the stir-fry mix and stir-fry seasoning packet to the pan.
- Stir-fry the mixture for 3 minutes, then add sugar and pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute or until the mixture is thoroughly heated.
- Stir in the noodles, sprinkle with peanuts, and serve immediately.
Variations
- Substitute the chicken stir-fry mix with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor.
- Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry mix.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the noodles until they are just tender, as they will continue to cook when added to the stir-fry.
- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.
- Customize the stir-fry mix by adding your favorite vegetables or protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Stir-frying: Quickly cook the ingredients in a hot pan to retain their texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use any type of noodles in place of the ramen noodles.
- Substitute the peanuts with cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the stir-fry mix and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this stir-fry with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
320
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
Fats
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 18g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Alergens
Peanuts
Summary
This Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a quick and easy dinner.
Summary
Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and customizable to suit your taste preferences, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something quick and easy to make for dinner. As I shuffled through the yellowed index cards and scraps of paper, I came across a faded recipe card with the words "Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry" scrawled across the top in my own handwriting.
I paused for a moment, trying to remember where I had gotten this recipe from. Had someone shared it with me at a dinner party? Had I seen it in a magazine or cookbook? The memory eluded me, but the ingredients and instructions were clear as day, so I decided to give it a try.
I gathered up the necessary ingredients - a mix of colorful vegetables, some thinly sliced chicken breast, a bottle of soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples. I heated up my trusty wok, added a splash of oil, and began to stir-fry the vegetables and chicken together, following the directions on the recipe card.
As the ingredients sizzled and popped in the hot pan, a tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen. The sweet and savory scent of soy sauce mingled with the earthy vegetables and tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering fragrance that made my stomach growl in anticipation.
I tossed and turned the ingredients in the wok, watching as they cooked and caramelized before my eyes. The colors of the vegetables deepened, the chicken turned golden brown, and the sauce thickened and clung to everything in a glossy sheen.
After a few more minutes of cooking, I scooped the steaming hot stir-fry onto a plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crisp-tender vegetables, the juicy chicken, the umami-rich soy sauce - it was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced across my taste buds.
I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry was a revelation, a quick and easy dish that packed a punch of flavor and satisfied my hunger in no time at all. I made a mental note to add it to my regular rotation of recipes, a go-to meal for busy weeknights when I needed something tasty and nourishing in a hurry.
As I savored the last bites of the stir-fry, I thought back to the mystery of how I had come across this recipe in the first place. Perhaps it had been a chance encounter with a fellow food lover, a serendipitous find at a flea market, or a hidden gem tucked away in an old cookbook at the library.
Regardless of its origins, the Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry had found a permanent place in my culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and bold flavors. It was a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones we stumble upon by accident, the ones that surprise and delight us in unexpected ways.
And so, as I washed the dishes and cleared the table, I made a mental note to thank whoever had shared this recipe with me, wherever they may be. Their gift of Hot 'n' Hurried Stir-fry had brought me joy and satisfaction, and for that, I was truly grateful.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Peanut Recipes | Ramen Recipes |