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String Bean Chicken Recipe Stir Fry copycat recipe

String Bean Chicken Recipe Stir Fry

Before diving into the Whys and Hows of String Bean Chicken Stir Fry, let’s talk pairings. This dish is a delightful dance of flavors and textures that can shine alongside a variety of companions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 304 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and marinade:

  • 12 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh meat, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce

For the rest of the dish:

  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 1 pound green string beans
  • 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • white pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken Marinade

  • Start by mixing together the neutral vegetable oil, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, water, and light soy sauce in a bowl. Add the thinly sliced chicken and toss well, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let it sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients. This little wait works magic on the chicken, enhancing its flavor and juiciness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 2-3 minutes until it's browned.
  • Flip the pieces over and cook for another 2 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Now toss in your sliced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
  • Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tends to sour the dish. Then, add the string beans. Stirring continuously, cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they turn crisp-tender.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Once the string beans are ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix well. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Stir it all together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

  • Now, for that glossy finish! In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a splash of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir. The sauce will thicken almost immediately. Cook for another minute until everything is well-coated.

Step 6: Final Touches

  • Remove from heat and drizzle with the remaining toasted sesame oil. If you like a bit of kick, try adding white pepper according to your taste. Stir in the grated ginger right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  1. Chicken Variations: Feel free to use chicken thighs for juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian approach. Just ensure any meat is cut thin for quick cooking.
    2. String Beans: If they aren’t in season, feel free to substitute them with bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a colorful mix.
    3. Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
    4. Fresh Herbs: Add cilantro or scallions as a garnish for a refreshing burst of flavor at the end.
    5. Cooking Wines: If you can’t find Shaoxing cooking wine, dry sherry can be a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
    6. Sesame Oil: Use regular sesame oil if toasted isn’t available, though it won’t offer the same deep flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 159gCalories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 9gFat: 20.7gSaturated Fat: 4.6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 348mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
Keyword String Bean Chicken Recipe Stir Fry
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