๐ฅข Asian Chicken and Scallions ๐
Asian Chicken and Scallions is a delicious and popular dish with a rich history. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken and crisp scallions, stir-fried in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. This dish is known for its fantastic flavors and quick preparation, making it a favorite in many households.
๐ History:
This dish’s origins can be traced back to Chinese cuisine. The use of scallions and soy-based sauces in stir-fry dishes is a hallmark of Chinese cooking. Over time, this dish has evolved and adapted to various regional preferences throughout Asia, incorporating different ingredients and cooking techniques. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines and has also gained popularity in Western countries.
๐ฅ Components:
To prepare Asian Chicken and Scallions, you will need the following components:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thigh, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of fresh scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Optional: Red pepper flakes or fresh chilies for heat
- Optional: Cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
Here are the steps to prepare this mouthwatering dish:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken slices with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, and sugar. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: Mix the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth in a separate bowl. This will be your sauce for the stir-fry.
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Heat the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Stir-fry the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
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Add the Scallions: Toss in the scallions and continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they become slightly tender.
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Pour in the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and scallions. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry at this point.
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Finish and Serve: Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Serve your Asian Chicken and Scallions over rice or noodles.
โฑ๏ธ Cooking Time:
The total time needed to prepare this dish is approximately 30-40 minutes, including marination.
Enjoy your Asian Chicken and Scallions – a delightful, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish with a rich history in Asian cuisine! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฅก๐ฑ
๐ฅข Asian Chicken and Scallions – Nutrition Facts and Health Information ๐
Nutrition facts can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s a general overview of the nutritional aspects and health considerations for Asian Chicken and Scallions:
๐ Nutrition Facts (per serving, without rice or noodles, approximately 1/4 of the total recipe):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Sodium: 1000-1300mg
๐ Key Nutritional Points:
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Protein: This dish is a good source of protein, primarily from the chicken. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Fats: The fat content mainly comes from the cooking oil and the sesame oil used in the sauce. While fats are necessary for a balanced diet, using a minimal amount of oil can make this dish healthier.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates are relatively low in this dish, making it a suitable choice for those watching their carb intake.
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Sodium: The sodium content in this dish is relatively high due to the soy sauce and other sauce ingredients. If you’re concerned about sodium, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce or reducing the amount of soy sauce in the recipe.
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Vegetables: The scallions in this dish provide some vitamins and minerals. However, you can enhance the nutritional value by adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
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Ginger: The use of ginger in this recipe not only adds flavor but also offers potential health benefits, as ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
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Customization: You can make this dish even healthier by using lean chicken breast, using less oil for stir-frying, and adding a variety of colorful vegetables for extra nutrients and fiber.
Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and preparation methods. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to consult with a nutritionist or use a nutritional calculator to get precise values for your version of this dish.
