🍽️ Asian Chicken Cubes With Cherries, Pineapple, and Lychees 🍍🍒
What is it?
Asian Chicken Cubes with Cherries, Pineapple, and Lychees is a delightful and exotic dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of tropical fruits. This dish is a fusion of various Asian flavors and ingredients, resulting in a delicious sweet and savory combination.
History:
The history of this specific dish is not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from the culinary traditions of Asia. Dishes that combine meat with fruits are common in various Asian cuisines, reflecting the region’s love for contrasting flavors and textures.
Components:
- Chicken Cubes: You’ll need boneless chicken breast or thigh meat, cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Cherries: Fresh or canned cherries can be used. They add a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
- Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple chunks for a tropical touch.
- Lychees: Lychees, which have a sweet and floral taste, are usually used canned in this recipe.
- Vegetables: Ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and scallions can be used for added crunch and flavor.
- Sauce: A sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar is essential for the dish.
- Cooking Oil: To stir-fry the chicken and vegetables.
Steps to Prepare:
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating the chicken cubes. In a bowl, mix the chicken with some soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
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Stir-fry Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a bit of cooking oil, then stir-fry the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and has a nice sear. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and a bit of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers, onions, and scallions. Cook for a few minutes until they become slightly tender.
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Fruit and Chicken: Now, add the cherries, pineapple chunks, and lychees to the pan. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the mixture and gently toss everything together. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the fruits are heated through, and the sauce thickens.
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Serve: Your Asian Chicken Cubes with Cherries, Pineapple, and Lychees are ready to serve! Garnish with some fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Time Needed:
The total time to prepare this dish typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, including preparation and cooking. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe to create, making it a great choice for a flavorful weeknight dinner with an emoji-worthy presentation! 🍽️🥢🍍🍒
Certainly! Here are some general nutrition facts and health information for Asian Chicken Cubes with Cherries, Pineapple, and Lychees:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values for a typical serving):
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Calories: The number of calories can vary depending on portion size and ingredients used, but it’s roughly around 300-400 calories per serving.
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Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, providing around 20-25 grams per serving.
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Carbohydrates: This dish contains carbohydrates from the fruits, vegetables, and sauce, contributing around 30-40 grams per serving.
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Fats: The amount of fat can vary based on the cooking method and use of cooking oil. A serving may contain around 10-15 grams of fat.
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Dietary Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in fiber, with approximately 2-4 grams per serving.
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Sugars: The sugars primarily come from the natural sugars in the fruits and any added sugar in the sauce. There can be around 15-20 grams of sugar per serving.
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Sodium: Soy sauce and oyster sauce contain salt, so the dish may have around 800-1000 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Health Information:
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Protein: The chicken in this dish provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
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Fruits: The inclusion of cherries, pineapple, and lychees adds essential vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These fruits are a great source of vitamin C and other nutrients.
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Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and scallions contribute to the dish’s fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also add color and flavor.
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Sauce: Be mindful of the sauce, as it can contain added sugars and sodium. Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce and consider using less sugar for a healthier option.
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Balance: This dish strikes a balance between sweet and savory flavors, making it a delicious option. However, be cautious with portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake.
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Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using lean cuts of chicken, reducing the amount of added sugar and sodium in the sauce, and increasing the ratio of vegetables to fruits for added fiber.
Overall, this Asian-inspired dish can be a flavorful and enjoyable part of a balanced diet when prepared mindfully. 🍽️🥦🍒🍍
