Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry


Whenever I’m in the mood for some Asian cuisine, this is the first dish that pops into my head. Spicy Chicken Stir Fry is one of my favorite dishes to make because it’s not only relatively quick to make, but is also nutritious with the abundance of delicious veggies, lean protein and those quintessential carbs! This dish is also very versatile because you can opt-in/out any veggies your heart desires. Let your imagination run wild with this dish because any kind of veggie can be thrown into this dish and can still taste delicious. The secret ingredient (Spicy Stir Fry Sauce) really ties everything together and allows the dish to have as little seasoning as possible… meaning less work for me (thank GAWD!). You put some salt, some peppa, and drizzle this bad boy on there and you got yourself a tasty meal that tastes like it came directly out of PF Changs Kitchen!... Look at that huh? Simple as that. Of course there are a few crucial steps in-between to get you from the stove to the table. Nonetheless, this meal will satisfy your Asian fix any day.

I was grateful enough to share this meal with a couple of my good friends. Jenn, co-founder of Shut Up and Eat, graced everyone with her presence along with my roommate Eric Kindler, and my new friend Deirdre McDermott. OH! Did I mention this is a great meal to make in bulk? This is a meal that will fill you up so you can always have leftovers… unless your roommate is Eric and is a living garbage disposal. Nonetheless, it is a great meal to share with friends and family and I would strongly encourage the company because that’s really what it’s all about, sharing moments with the people you love. Those are the memories you will remember as you live your life, not that bad grade on some test in Finance… sorry mom. Focus on the things that truly make you happy. Alright enough of the life lessons talk, back to the food blog.

Jenn actually introduced me to this dish last year and I’ve been addicted to it ever since! Actually, every time she has come over for dinner this year I think I have made this dish for her 4 out of the 5 times. She must regret the day she told me this recipe. Sarry Jenn. Once again, this dish is very versatile, not only with the endless amount of veggies you can add but you can substitute the brown rice for jasmine rice, white rice, any rice you desire. I like the brown rice because it is the best for you (with all of the fiber) and I think it tastes better than plain white rice. You also do not need to have a rice cooker readily available, you can always use a medium sauce pan. All you really need is love, friends, and that Spicy Stir Fry Sauce. You can find that at any local supermarket in the international or seasoning aisle. They also have a classic (mild) stir fry sauce if you don’t sit well with spiciness.

I hope you all enjoy this dish and thank you all for reading. Laura, Jenn and I really appreciate the great feedback we have been recieving and would love to hear more from you. Please comment below or stay updated with our facebook posts and tweets along with submitting your e-mail above to receive an e-mail every time we post something new! Thanks again guys and don’t forget to Shut Up and Eat.

Bon Appetite,
Dom

Spicy Chicken Stir Fry

Click Here for the PRINTABLE VERSION!

Ingredients: (Serves 4)
2 Chicken Breasts, cubed
2 cups of Brown Rice
4-5 cups of water
2 Red Bell Peppers, sliced 
1-2 Broccoli Crowns, sliced
10-12 (Handful) of Baby Carrots, chopped
1 Small Red Onion, minced
10-12 (Handful) of Cherry Tomatoes, sliced into quarters
4-5 Portabello Mushrooms, cubed
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 Tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 Tbls. (or eyeball it) Spicy Stir Fry Sauce
Salt & Pepper, for taste



Directions:
First start with getting the rice started. If you have a rice cooker, place the brown rice and water into the pot and turn on with lid. If you do not have a rice cooker, simply place the brown rice and water into a medium sauce pan on medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it is boiling, cover for 20-25 minutes and set heat to low. (Left picture: before, right picture: after) While that’s on its way, you can start preparing the veggies. 




Of course wash all of your veggies (and your hands) before you get started with preparing them. Try to cut the veggies relatively the same size so they can cook at the same pace. On the side, before you place the veggies on the stove, you must season and cube your chicken. Since we are dealing with raw meat, I would recommend cooking the chicken in a small skillet before transferring it into the same skillet as the veggies.


After you season and cube the chicken, heat up 2 tbls. of olive oil on medium heat into a small skillet and throw the chicken on top. Note: you just want to cook the chicken enough so the outside is cooked (white) because the chicken will continue to cook once you transfer them over to your veggies.


In a large skillet, heat up 2-3 tbls. (I always eyeball it) of olive oil on medium heat and place your garlic and red onion in there first. Allow them to brown a little then throw in the rest of the veggies. Season everything with salt and pepper and stir frequently to get the olive oil to coat all the veggies.



Once your chicken is cooked (white) on the outside, drizzle (1-2 tbls.) of Spicy Stir Fry Sauce into the pan and stir. Apply the same amount, if not more to the veggies. Once fully coated and 2-3 minutes have passed, transfer the chicken over to the veggies. Mix the chicken in with the veggies and you will see that you are almost ready to eat. If you think there needs to be more stir fry sauce, apply as much as you desire. This entire process takes about 20-25 minutes, just in time for the rice to be finished.


















To add a little bit of fun and presentation skills into this meal you can shape the rice into any shape on the plate. I did hearts for girls because I’m lame… I mean a ladies man. Use your creative skills and create a fun shape to surprise your dinner guests! Place some veggies overtop of the rice and you’re ready to eat! If you are of age, have a glass of wine with dinner. Wine can be very beneficial to the heart and soul. Drink responsibly. Enjoy everyone!

 


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