Description of this recipe
This Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles recipe delivers a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice noodles are tossed in a savory sauce, creating a satisfying and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the vegetables and add your favorite protein to tailor the recipe to your liking.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and flavorful spices, this stir fry is a nutritious and guilt-free meal.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a flavorful addition to your lunchbox.
- A Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
Chicken (Note 1):
- 150 – 180 g/ 5 – 6 oz chicken breast, cut into thin strips
- 1 tsp cornflour / cornstarch (optional)
- 1 tsp oil (peanut, vegetable, canola) (optional)
Sauce (or use my Homemade Stir Fry Sauce, step 2):
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or sub with Hoisin)
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (Note 2)
- 1/2 tsp each sesame oil, sugar (optional)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shoaxing wine) OR Mirin (Note 3)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (or black pepper)
- 3 tbsp water
Stir Fry:
- 100 g / 3.5 oz dried rice noodles (Note 4)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (Note 5)
- 1 small onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)
- 1/2 bunch choy sum or other Asian greens, stems separated from leaves (Note 6)
- 1/2 red capsicum / bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and sliced on the diagonal
- 5 – 7 mushrooms, sliced
- Sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions/scallions, optional
Preparation:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with cornflour and oil, toss to coat. This step tenderizes the chicken and helps it to brown nicely during the stir-frying process. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (if using), Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin), white pepper, and water. Mix until well combined. This sauce will be the base of the flavor profile in the stir fry, so make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. For a shortcut, you can use 3 tablespoons of store-bought or homemade stir-fry sauce mixed with 6 tablespoons of water.
Step 3: Soak the Rice Noodles
Follow the package instructions to prepare the rice noodles. Generally, this involves soaking the dried noodles in hot water for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are pliable but still slightly firm to the touch. Drain the noodles well and set aside. This prevents them from becoming mushy during the stir-frying process. The key to perfect rice noodles is to avoid overcooking them.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat the oil in a wok or a large skillet over high heat. Add the chopped garlic and sliced onion, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 1 minute, or until they change color from pink to white.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrot, choy sum stems, and capsicum to the wok. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, until the vegetables are slightly tender. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. The goal is to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender, retaining their vibrant colors and nutrients.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the soaked and drained rice noodles, choy sum leaves, and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together gently for about 1 minute, or until the leaves have wilted and the sauce has thickened and evenly coated the noodles and ingredients. Be careful not to over-stir, as the noodles can break easily.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the chicken stir fry with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions or scallions. Serve immediately while it’s hot and fresh. This dish is best enjoyed right away, as the noodles can become sticky if left to sit for too long.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Pair with a side of steamed rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking, depending on how saucy you prefer your stir fry.
- If you don’t have choy sum, you can use other Asian greens such as bok choy or gai lan.
- Make sure to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start stir-frying, as the cooking process is quick.
- Use a high-quality wok or skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein: 30-40g
Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant flavors, customizable ingredients, and quick preparation time, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Asia in the comfort of your own home.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent it from browning properly during the stir-frying process.
Q2: I don’t have oyster sauce. What can I use as a substitute?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce has a similar sweet and savory flavor profile. You can also use a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar or molasses to mimic the flavor of oyster sauce.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some great options include broccoli florets, snow peas, snap peas, bean sprouts, and water chestnuts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Q4: How do I prevent the rice noodles from becoming sticky?
A: To prevent the rice noodles from becoming sticky, make sure not to overcook them. Soak them in hot water until they are pliable but still slightly firm to the touch. Drain them well before adding them to the stir fry. You can also toss the noodles with a little bit of oil after draining to prevent them from sticking together.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables, marinate the chicken, and prepare the sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook the noodles and stir-fry the ingredients just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
