Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly quick Chinese-inspired meal? Look no further! This pressure cooker recipe for Chinese chicken and vegetable stir-fry is your answer. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a fraction of the time. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and the vibrant colors and fresh flavors will impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic quick dinner idea, packed with deliciousness and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps the chicken retain moisture and ensures a tender result.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in your pressure cooker (set to sauté mode if available). Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Vegetables: Add the marinated chicken to the pressure cooker and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Pressure Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Secure the pressure cooker lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
Step 6: Serve: Once the pressure is released, open the lid and give the stir-fry a quick stir. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Chinese Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the pressure cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the steam to circulate properly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- Add other vegetables: Get creative! Snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, and water chestnuts would all be delicious additions.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls for a truly authentic Chinese dining experience.
Variations:
- Shrimp Stir-Fry: Substitute shrimp for chicken. Reduce the pressure cooking time to 2 minutes.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: Use firm or extra-firm tofu instead of chicken. Press the tofu beforehand to remove excess water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy recipe delivers a healthy and delicious meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy this homemade cooking adventure! These best recipes are designed to make healthy meals accessible and enjoyable for everyone. This is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas.