Flavorful Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner option, look no further than this Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry. Bursting with savory and peppery flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Made with tender chicken breast, aromatic vegetables, and a mouthwatering black pepper sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences, including keto and low-carb options. So, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
Black Pepper Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing Wine or sherry
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar or 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry:
- 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut into thin bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Making the Black Pepper Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, Shaoxing Wine or sherry, brown sugar or Mirin, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Preparing the Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces with 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet, and add a bit more oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before stirring.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, pour the prepared black pepper sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Stir well to combine, and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish the dish with thinly sliced green onions just before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Protein Options: Feel free to substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu according to your preference.
- Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn to add color and texture to the dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?
- Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but be mindful of the saltiness, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake.
2. What can I use as a substitute for Shaoxing Wine or sherry?
- You can substitute dry white wine, rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for Shaoxing Wine or sherry.
3. Is Mirin the same as brown sugar?
- Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a unique flavor to dishes. If you don’t have Mirin, you can use brown sugar as a substitute, but the flavor profile may be slightly different.
4. How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?
- To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, substitute the brown sugar or Mirin with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, omit the cornstarch or use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum.
5. Can I meal prep this dish?
- Yes, this Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is great for meal prep. Simply store the cooked chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
In conclusion, this Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its flavorful black pepper sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with the option to customize the protein and vegetables, you can tailor this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So, why not add this recipe to your dinner rotation and enjoy a tasty and hassle-free meal tonight