Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 green pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red chili pepper, finely chopped
• 300 g chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated
• 2 green onions, chopped
• A handful of cilantro, roughly chopped

For the Sauce:

• 1 tsp dried chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp black vinegar

How to Make Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Peppers and Ginger

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. For even cooking, aim for uniform thickness.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice the green pepper into thin strips and finely chop the red chili pepper. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and chop the green onions and cilantro.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, white sugar, sesame oil, and black vinegar. Stir until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the sliced chicken with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of the prepared sauce. Toss to coat and let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken slices to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add Aromatics: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and dried chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Peppers: Toss in the green pepper and red chili pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the peppers.
2. Pour the Sauce: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Add Green Onions and Cilantro: Toss in the green onions and cilantro. Stir for another minute to combine and allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
2. Accompaniments: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Stir-Fried Chicken

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor and texture of the dish.
2. Prep Everything Before Cooking: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients prepared and within reach.
3. Cook Over High Heat: A hot pan ensures the chicken and vegetables cook quickly and retain their texture.
4. Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat by reducing or omitting the dried chili flakes and red chili pepper.
5. Balance the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust the soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to suit your preferences.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon.

3. What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or rice noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

5. Can I freeze this dish?
While freezing is not ideal for stir-fried vegetables, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store the stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze only the cooked chicken and sauce. Add fresh vegetables when reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Why This Recipe is a Classic

Spicy stir-fries are beloved worldwide for their bold flavors and quick preparation. This recipe highlights the best of stir-frying techniques, balancing the heat of chilies with the umami of soy and oyster sauce. The inclusion of fresh ginger and garlic adds a fragrant depth that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.

This dish’s adaptability ensures its place as a timeless favorite. It can be customized with different proteins, vegetables, or levels of spice, making it suitable for any occasion or dietary preference. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Conclusion

Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Peppers and Ginger is a dish that combines the art of stir-frying with bold, harmonious flavors. From the tender chicken to the crisp vegetables and the perfectly balanced sauce, every bite is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for your family or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this dish promises satisfaction. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to adapt to your tastes while delivering a flavor-packed experience. Try it today and enjoy the magic of this classic stir-fry!