Chicken with beansprouts is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken strips with crisp beansprouts and a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who crave a quick and flavorful meal that can be prepared in no time. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of salt, egg white, and cornflour paste, which adds both moisture and a velvety texture to the meat. Stir-frying the chicken with a medley of vegetables like onions, green peppers, and carrots brings out their natural sweetness and vibrant colors. The beansprouts, added at the end, provide a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish. Tossed in a sauce made from soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil, this chicken with beansprouts is a delicious and healthy option that will satisfy your taste buds. Serve it alongside steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 100g/4oz chicken breast fillet, skinned and cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 egg white, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons water to form a paste
- 300ml/10fl oz vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly shredded
- 1 small green pepper, seeded and thinly shredded
- 1 small carrot, thinly shredded
- 100g/4oz fresh beansprouts
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
PREPARATIONS:
- Put the chicken in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt, the egg white, and the cornflour paste, and mix well.
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and, when the oil is hot enough, add the chicken and stir-fry for about 1 minute, separating the chicken strips. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
- Pour off the oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the wok. Add the onion, green pepper, and carrot, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. Add the beansprouts and stir-fry for a few seconds.
- Return the chicken to the wok or pan with the remaining salt and the sugar, soy sauce, and rice wine. Blend well and add 3 tablespoons of water. Sprinkle with sesame oil, and serve immediately.
YIELD: Serves 4
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Make sure the chicken is cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking.
- Be careful when adding the chicken to the hot oil to avoid splattering.
- Drain the chicken on kitchen paper to remove excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Stir-fry the vegetables briefly to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Add the beansprouts at the end to preserve their freshness and texture.
- Blend the sauce ingredients well to ensure a harmonious flavor throughout the dish.
TIPS:
- Serve the chicken with beansprouts over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Customize the dish by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or baby corn.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar according to your taste preferences.
- Garnish with sliced spring onions or chopped coriander for added freshness and aroma.
- Prepare all the ingredients before you start stir-frying to ensure a smooth cooking process.
In conclusion, chicken with beansprouts is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, crisp beansprouts, and a flavorful sauce. By following the simple steps in this recipe, you can create a delicious meal that will please both your palate and your appetite.
The marinade of salt, egg white, and cornflour paste ensures that the chicken remains moist and succulent while developing a velvety texture. Stir-frying the chicken with a medley of thinly shredded vegetables such as onions, green peppers, and carrots adds a burst of colors and natural sweetness to the dish. The addition of fresh beansprouts towards the end provides a satisfying crunch and a vibrant taste.
The sauce, made with soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil, brings all the flavors together, creating a savory and aromatic coating for the chicken and vegetables. The careful blending of these ingredients ensures that every bite is packed with delightful flavors.
To enhance the dish, consider serving it over steamed rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to mingle with the grains and create a wholesome meal. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms or baby corn for additional texture and variety.
With a few handy tips, such as cutting the chicken into thin strips for quick cooking, draining the chicken on kitchen paper to remove excess oil, and stir-frying the vegetables briefly to retain their crunch, you can elevate the dish to perfection.
Remember to adjust the soy sauce and sugar quantities to suit your taste preferences and feel free to garnish the dish with sliced spring onions or chopped coriander for added freshness and aroma.
In summary, chicken with beansprouts is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be prepared in a short amount of time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weekday meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a delicious plate of chicken with beansprouts!
