Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and fast dinner? Look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Trader Joe's Soyaki sauce, creating a delicious and easy stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, cheaper, and just as satisfying. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe some dinner guests!) with this simple yet incredibly tasty dish. It’s one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken (optional but recommended): In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of ginger. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer in the fridge). This step adds extra flavor and tenderness.
- Stir-fry the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and snow peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the wok. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Delicious Dish:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, soy sauce, or rice vinegar to your liking. A dash of sriracha adds a nice kick!
- Prep your ingredients ahead: Chopping the vegetables beforehand will make the cooking process much quicker and smoother.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will elevate the flavor of the dish significantly.
Variations:
- Add protein: Substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef.
- Change up the veggies: Use your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal, rich in protein and vegetables. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For a detailed breakdown, we recommend using a nutrition calculator online. This is a great healthy meal idea for a quick dinner.
This delicious and easy stir-fry is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, and the best part? You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Enjoy!