Maple Chicken Stir Fry
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description: This Maple Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of flavors, inspired by a post from Jan in Lanark back in 2004, which initially sparked the idea of combining sweet maple syrup with traditional stir-fry techniques. This dish presents a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables and tender chicken, all coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made from real maple syrup, which serves as a substitute for sugar or honey. While it may not be an authentic Chinese recipe, the creativity behind it reflects the practicality of combining local ingredients, like sugar maples, with classic cooking methods. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this stir fry is sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Real maple syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice wine | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 3 tablespoons |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 1 1/2 pounds |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 2 teaspoons (fresh, minced) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Chilies | 2-3 (sliced) |
| Green onions | 4 (chopped) |
| Red bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Daikon radishes | 1 (sliced) |
| Snow peas | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Basmati rice | To serve |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 388.6 |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 51.3 mg |
| Sodium | 575.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 37.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 17.4 g |
| Protein | 24.9 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, rice vinegar, rice wine, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk the ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, and set this flavorful mixture aside.
-
-
Coat the Chicken: In a resealable plastic bag, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs into the bag, sealing it securely. Shake the bag gently until all pieces of chicken are evenly coated with the mixture.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large wok over high heat, ensuring it becomes nice and hot. Pour in 2 tablespoons of oil, swirling it around to coat the surface. Add the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Stir fry the chicken for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and lightly browned. Use a paper towel to drain the cooked chicken pieces and set them aside, adding oil to the wok as needed for each batch.
-
Sauté the Aromatics: Once all the chicken is cooked, return the wok to the heat and add another 2 tablespoons of oil. Introduce the minced ginger, garlic, and sliced chilies to the hot oil. Stir fry for about 1 minute, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant oils. After a minute, remove the chilies and discard them.
-
Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, sliced daikon radish, and snow peas to the wok. Stir fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crunch.
-
Steam the Vegetables: Push the vegetables up the sides of the wok to create a small well in the center. Pour the 1/4 cup of water into the well and cover the wok with a lid, allowing the vegetables to steam for about 2 minutes, which will help them retain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
-
Combine Everything: After steaming, return the cooked chicken to the wok, then give the prepared sauce a quick stir to recombine. Pour the sauce into the wok, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
-
Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the wok from the heat. Serve the maple chicken stir fry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a delightful meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Variations: You can use any combination of chicken pieces you prefer. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy cooking and eating.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have available or prefer. Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas work wonderfully in this dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the chilies altogether.
This Maple Chicken Stir Fry, inspired by an unexpected twist on a classic sweet and sour dish, will bring a taste of creativity to your table while also showcasing the wonderful depth of flavors that maple syrup can provide in savory dishes. Enjoy this unique culinary creation that marries the best of both worlds, blending Asian stir-fry techniques with the sweet allure of maple syrup.
