Stir-Fried Chicken with Ketchup

Don’t underestimate the power of ketchup in this surprisingly delicious stir-fried chicken recipe! Just like other beloved condiments such as hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and salsa, ketchup adds a unique and delightful flavor to this dish. With its quick and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes. Once you try this mouthwatering dish, you’ll likely find yourself experimenting with different variations, like adding peanuts or slivered scallions, to create your perfect stir-fry. Additionally, this versatile recipe offers the option to substitute other proteins like squid, shrimp, or firm tofu, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 3/4- to 1-inch chunks and blotted dry
• 1/2 cup cornstarch, rice flour, or all-purpose flour, or more as needed
• 1/4 cup neutral oil, like grapeseed or corn
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons slivered garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
• 1 cup ketchup
• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Toss the chicken with flour so that it is lightly dusted. Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet, preferably nonstick, over high heat. When the oil smokes, add the chicken in one layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. When the chicken browns on one side, toss it and cook until just about done. Smaller pieces will take about 5 minutes total, while larger pieces may require around 10 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, then turn off the heat and let the pan cool for a moment.
3. Add the remaining oil to the pan and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the slivered garlic and cayenne and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until aromatic.
4. Stir in the ketchup and cook until it starts to bubble and darkens slightly, which should take approximately a minute.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat it thoroughly with the flavorful ketchup sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve the mouthwatering stir-fried chicken garnished with chopped fresh cilantro leaves to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

VARIATION:

• Stir-Fried Tofu with Ketchup: If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to explore different proteins, substitute the chicken with 1 1/2 pounds of firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into 8 slices and lightly squeezed. Proceed with the recipe, adjusting the cooking time to about 5 minutes or until the tofu is cooked through in Step 2. Enjoy the delightful combination of ketchup and tofu for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

TIPS:

• To achieve a perfectly crispy and golden-brown exterior on the chicken, make sure to blot it dry before tossing it with flour. Excess moisture can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
• Adjust the level of cayenne according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount, or increase it for a spicier kick.
• For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or rice flour as a coating for the chicken instead of all-purpose flour.
• Experiment with different proteins to create unique variations of this stir-fry. Shrimp, squid, or sliced firm tofu are excellent alternatives to chicken.
• Adding slivered scallions to the dish can provide not only a pop of color but also a subtle onion flavor that complements the ketchup sauce.
• Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves just before serving for a burst of freshness that enhances the overall taste.
• Serve this delicious stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
• If you prefer a homemade ketchup, consider making your own using a recipe from page 51 of the cookbook.
• To keep the dish healthy, opt for a neutral oil like grapeseed or corn when stir-frying the chicken and garlic.
• Don’t overcook the chicken to ensure it remains tender and juicy. Cooking it just until it’s done will preserve its flavor and texture.
• Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients. Consider tossing in some roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and richness.
• For a low-carb option, serve this stir-fried chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, including slicing the chicken and mincing the garlic and ginger, to make the cooking process even quicker.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This stir-fry can be reheated and enjoyed for a tasty lunch the next day.
• Have fun experimenting with different variations and spice levels to customize this dish according to your taste preferences. Enjoy the versatility and simplicity of this delightful ketchup-flavored stir-fry!