The Eastern Star-Rise Garlic Chicken recipe embodies a harmonious blend of Asian-inspired flavors, designed to bring the essence of a starlit evening into your kitchen. This dish promises not only ease in preparation but also a delightful culinary journey through the infusion of garlic, ginger, and green onions with tender chicken breast, all enveloped in a savory sauce that elevates every bite.
Recipe Details:
Name: Eastern Star-Rise Garlic Chicken
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Prep Time: 50 minutes (includes standing time)
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Description: Inspired by the rising star in the east, this quick-to-make chicken dish is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Recipe Category: Chicken Breast
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Asian, Weeknight, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Stir Fry, < 4 Hours, Easy
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 350.9
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 20.3g
- Saturated Fat: 4.8g
- Cholesterol: 92.8mg
- Sodium: 611.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 6.3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 32.5g
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon gingerroot, minced
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Dark sesame oil (for finishing)
- Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into thin shreds. Itโs easier to do this when the chicken is slightly frozen.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Add cornstarch and dry white wine, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add the sliced chicken to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Sauce Preparation:
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce. In another bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, water, dry white wine, and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
-
Cooking:
- Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry the marinated chicken until it is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the wok using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
-
Flavor Infusion:
- In the same wok, add chopped green onions, minced gingerroot, and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. Be careful not to brown them.
-
Combining and Finishing:
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Restir the sauce mixture to ensure everything is well combined, then pour it into the wok with the chicken.
- Stir constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.
-
Final Touch:
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and drizzle in a small amount of dark sesame oil. This adds a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the dishโs flavor profile.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Eastern Star-Rise Garlic Chicken over steamed rice or udon noodles, allowing the savory sauce to complement the base of your choice.
- Consider accompanying the dish with wilted spinach, pickled Chinese vegetables, or a refreshing seaweed salad to complete the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Culinary Inspiration:
The inspiration behind the Eastern Star-Rise Garlic Chicken recipe is rooted in the serene beauty of a starlit night and the simplicity of creating a flavorful dish that resonates with both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. By using basic stir-fry techniques and readily available ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this recipe transforms humble chicken breasts into a savory masterpiece that is perfect for any occasion, particularly those busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Preparation: Slicing the chicken thinly ensures quick and even cooking.
- Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with the flavors of the sauce.
- Sauce Consistency: Stir the sauce mixture thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch and prevent lumps. Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference by cooking it longer for a thicker consistency.
- Stir-Frying Technique: Keep the heat high and stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure that each ingredient cooks evenly.
Nutritional Highlights:
This dish not only delights the taste buds but also provides a balanced nutritional profile. With a moderate calorie count and a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, it makes for a satisfying meal without compromising on flavor. The addition of fresh garlic and ginger adds not only depth of flavor but also potential health benefits, as both are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Eastern Star-Rise Garlic Chicken recipe offers a glimpse into the artistry of Asian-inspired cooking, blending simplicity with sophistication. Whether youโre a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook seeking a quick and flavorful meal, this dish promises to deliver on both taste and ease of preparation. Embrace the essence of the rising star and bring the flavors of this dish to life in your own kitchen, creating a memorable dining experience with each savory bite.
