Chinese Satay Chicken Stir Fry
My homemade copycat of the Chinese takeout favorite - chicken satay stir fry! The coconut and peanut flavor is not as intense as Malaysian and Thai satay sauce, and the satay seasoning flavor is stronger. The chicken is tenderized the way Chinese restaurants do - perfect to make breast nice and juicy. This step is optional, but I think it's worth it for a true Chinese restaurant experience! MARINATING TIME: 20 minutes for tenderizing, 10 minutes for seasoning, both optional.
My homemade copycat of the Chinese takeout favorite - chicken satay stir fry! The coconut and peanut flavor is not as intense as Malaysian and Thai satay sauce, and the satay seasoning flavor is stronger. The chicken is tenderized the way Chinese restaurants do - perfect to make breast nice and juicy. This step is optional, but I think it's worth it for a true Chinese restaurant experience! MARINATING TIME: 20 minutes for tenderizing, 10 minutes for seasoning, both optional.
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves ( minced)
- 1 onion ( finely chopped)
- 8 oz / 250g chicken breast
- 1 tsp baking soda ((bi carb soda) (optional))
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder ((not us chilli powder! see note 1)
- 1 1/2 tsp curry powder ((note 2))
- 1 1/2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 1 tsp light soy sauce ((note 3))
- 2 tsp sriracha ((or other hot sauce))
- 1/2 tsp lemongrass paste ((note 4))
- 1/3 cup coconut milk ((full fat))
- 1 tbsp peanut oil ((or other plain oil))
- shallots/scallions ( sliced (optional garnish))
- Carbohydrate 10.4686681106135 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.75666348958333 g
- Fiber 0.557085424582164 g
- Protein 0.9708492187324 g
- Saturated Fat 0.341592864583333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (167g)
- Sodium 19.1460781218951 mg
- Sugar 9.9115826860313 g
- Trans Fat 0.0783220989583334 g
- Calories 59 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut chicken in half lengthwise then slice thinly.
- Place in a bowl with baking soda, use fingers to coat. Set aside for 20 minutes.
- Rinse well, pat dry with paper towel then place in a bowl.
- Mix together Seasoning.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of Seasoning over chicken. Mix to coat then set aside for 10 minutes (not critical, can skip this).
- Place all ingredients except water in a bowl. Add remaining Seasoning. Mix, then add water and mix.
- Heat oil in wok or skillet over high heat. Add onion and garlic, stir fry for 1 minute.
- Add chicken and stir fry for 2 minutes until just cooked through and a bit browned.
- Lower heat slightly, then add Sauce. Stir fry until it reduces down and becomes thicker - 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with rice, garnished with sliced shallots/scallions if desired.
My Favorite Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But I refuse to let my family settle for bland, boring dinners. That's where this Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry comes in – a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that's become a staple in our household. It's a true copycat of my favorite takeout order, but with a homemade touch that makes it even better.
The secret to this dish? It’s all about the tender chicken. The technique of tenderizing the chicken breast with baking soda might seem unusual, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. It results in unbelievably juicy and flavorful chicken, far surpassing anything I’ve ever ordered from takeout. And the homemade satay sauce? It's a beautiful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The balance of coconut milk, peanut butter, and spices creates a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
I love the versatility of this dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but impressive enough to serve to guests. I often double the recipe so I have leftovers for lunch the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even tastier. And don't even get me started on the aroma that fills the kitchen while it's cooking – it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a shortcut to a delicious restaurant-quality experience without the hefty price tag or long wait times. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little culinary creativity. I encourage you to try it; it’s a winner in my book, and I’m confident it will become one of your family's favorites too. So ditch the takeout menu and prepare for a flavor explosion – this Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry is waiting to be made!
Ingredient Spotlight: Elevating the Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating the complex and harmonious flavor profile. Let's take a closer look at some key components:
- Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Tenderizing it with baking soda ensures incredibly juicy and flavorful results.
- Peanut Butter: Provides that signature satay richness and creaminess. I prefer smooth peanut butter for a smoother sauce.
- Coconut Milk: Adds a subtle sweetness and richness that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
- Spices: The blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder creates a complex and aromatic flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding balance and depth.
- Sriracha: This brings a fiery kick that adds an extra layer of complexity. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Lemongrass Paste: Adds a subtle citrusy note that complements the other flavors.
The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It's a delicious reminder that even simple weeknight meals can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips and Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and sriracha to control the heat level.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra nutrition and texture.
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different protein option.
- Garnish: Don't forget the optional garnish of sliced shallots or scallions for a pop of fresh flavor and visual appeal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles. I personally love it with steamed white rice.
The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of flavors.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s become a cherished part of our family's culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a bit of culinary creativity. Happy cooking!
