Craving crispy chicken stir fry? here’s how to fry it perfectly

Frying chicken stir fry is an art form that combines the flavors of Chinese cuisine with the convenience of a quick and easy meal. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide to frying chicken stir fry, from selecting the right ingredients to perfecting the cooking technique.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The key to a delicious chicken stir fry lies in the quality of the ingredients. Here’s what to look for:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender and juicy results.
• Vegetables: Choose a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Fresh or frozen vegetables will work.
• Sauce: Use a pre-made stir-fry sauce or create your own with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Oil: A high smoke point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, is essential for frying.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

1. Wash and cut the vegetables: Rinse the vegetables thoroughly and cut them into uniform pieces.
2. Blanch the vegetables: For a crisp-tender texture, blanch the vegetables in boiling water for a few minutes before frying.

Frying the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Frying the Vegetables

1. Add the vegetables: Add the blanched vegetables to the same skillet used for frying the chicken.
2. Stir-fry: Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a slight crunch.

Combining the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Return the chicken: Add the fried chicken back to the skillet.
2. Stir in the sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine.
3. Cook until heated through: Cook for a few more minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken and vegetables are heated through.

Serving the Chicken Stir Fry

1. Garnish with scallions: Sprinkle chopped scallions over the stir fry for a fresh and flavorful touch.
2. Serve with rice or noodles: Chicken stir fry is traditionally served with rice or noodles, such as white rice, brown rice, or lo mein.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stir Fry

• Use a large skillet or wok: This will prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
• Stir constantly: This will prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking to the pan and burning.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken stir fry should be cooked until just done to avoid drying it out.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide the best flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different sauces: There are countless variations of stir-fry sauces, so feel free to experiment with different flavors to find what you like best.

Variations

• Add other proteins: In addition to chicken, you can add other proteins to your stir fry, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu.
• Try different vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you like in your stir fry, such as snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
• Make it spicy: Add some chili peppers or Sriracha to your stir fry for a spicy kick.
• Add a crunch: Top your stir fry with crispy wontons or fried shallots for added texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for stir fry?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken for stir fry. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have a wok?
A: A large skillet will work just as well as a wok for frying chicken stir fry.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken stir fry?
A: Store leftover chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.