A Blazing Sichuan-Inspired Recipe: Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry
Quick Stir-Fry Recipe: Spicy Chicken with Asparagus
Craving a fiery, flavorful dinner that'll spice up your weeknights? Look no further! Here's our take on a Spicy Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry that'll put your taste buds on notice. Tone it down or turn up the heat - it's all up to you!
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced thinly
- Optional: 2-3 small Thai chilis, seeds and stems removed, for extra heat
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Steamed rice, for serving
Spicy Variations
- Korean-Style: Swap soy sauce with gochujang and add 1 teaspoon sesame oil for a kick of Korean flavor.
- Thai-Style: Replace soy sauce with fish sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for an authentic Thai flavor.
- Mushroom-Lover's: Incorporate sliced shiitake or button mushrooms for added aroma and texture.
Enhanced Nutrition Values
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 (Depending on variations and ingredients)
- Protein: 40 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Sugar: 8-10 grams
Cooking Tips
- Quick Defrost: Freeze the chicken for 10-15 minutes before slicing, making it easier to work with.
- Avoid Overcooking Asparagus: Asparagus should remain crisp and vibrant for the perfect texture.
- High-Heat Cooking: A wok or large skillet over high heat help achieve quick cooking and browning for an awesome stir-fry.
Instructions
- Toss chicken with cornstarch and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and optional chilis, cooking until golden brown (around 7-10 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same wok, add sesame oil, ginger, and asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes until asparagus brightens and becomes fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Let the mixture reach a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the wok, stirring only once to combine. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly (2-3 minutes).
- Serve with steamed rice and your choice of spicy variations.
This fast, sizzling stir-fry offers an intense flavor experience that caters to your taste preferences. Make it your own, enjoy the ride, and get ready for a delicious dinner!
- This Spicy Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry recipe, found under the 'uncategorized' section of our website, is perfect for weeknights when you're seeking a flavorful dinner.
- The nutritional values for this Sichuan-inspired dish range from approximately 350-450 calories per serving, offering 40 grams of protein and 25 grams of carbohydrates.
- To enhance the flavor of the dish, consider trying one of the spicy variations, such as adding gochujang for a Korean twist or replacing soy sauce with fish sauce, lime juice, and crushed red pepper for an authentic Thai flavor.
- Don't forget to distribute the chicken and asparagus mixture evenly among the four servings, taking care to enjoy the unique blend of spices and aromatics in each bite.