Description
Chinese-inspired chicken zucchini stir fry delivers quick, nutritious weeknight magic from wok to plate. Crisp vegetables and tender meat combine with savory soy sauce for a perfect meal you will devour enthusiastically.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsps sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces and dice zucchini with precision to ensure consistent cooking and appealing texture.
- Marination: Blend soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a mixing bowl, thoroughly coating chicken to intensify flavor and tenderize meat.
- Resting: Allow chicken to absorb marinade for 30 minutes, enhancing depth of taste and meat’s succulence.
- Searing: Heat wok over medium-high flame, creating an optimal environment for caramelization and flavor development.
- Aromatics: Introduce minced garlic to hot oil, releasing its fragrant essence and establishing a robust flavor foundation.
- Protein Cooking: Add marinated chicken with its liquid, stirring continuously to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Vegetable Integration: Once chicken transitions from raw to golden, incorporate zucchini, quickly rotating to maintain crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Flavor Fusion: Drizzle oyster sauce and sprinkle black pepper, stirring rapidly to distribute seasonings and ensure chicken reaches complete doneness.
- Plating: Transfer stir-fry immediately to serving dish, presenting a harmonious blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked zucchini.
Notes
- Marinate with Intention: Let chicken soak in marinade for 30 minutes to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles and ensure meat becomes exceptionally tender.
- Prepare for Precision: Cut chicken and zucchini into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee even cooking and create a visually appealing dish.
- Heat Management Matters: Use medium-high temperature to achieve perfect caramelization without burning ingredients, creating a golden-brown exterior and maintaining juicy interior.
- Quick Stir-Fry Technique: Continuously stir ingredients to prevent sticking, distribute heat evenly, and maintain the vibrant color and crisp texture of zucchini while ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 703 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg