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Savory and Zesty Chicken Stir Fry with Peanuts and Orange Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • 400g boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 carrots, sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Steamed rice for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink in the middle. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the sliced bell pepper and carrots. Cook until they are just tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger to make the orange sauce.
  7. Pour the orange sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and roasted peanuts to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
  9. If you like it spicy, sprinkle the stir fry with crushed red pepper flakes.
  10. Top the stir fry with chopped green onions just before serving.
  11. Serve the chicken stir fry hot over steamed rice.

Tools for making

  • Wok or large frying pan - Used for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
  • Sharp knife - To cut the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  • Cutting board - To chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Small bowl - For mixing the ingredients to make the orange sauce.
  • Grater - To grate the fresh ginger for the sauce.
  • Measuring spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients like soy sauce and cornstarch.
  • Spatula or tongs - For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Plate or bowl - To transfer the cooked chicken and set aside while preparing the vegetables.
  • Rice cooker or pot - For steaming rice to serve with the stir fry.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian version
  • Add different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts
  • Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free
  • Experiment with different citrus flavors like lemon or lime in place of orange
  • Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist
  • Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a sweeter sauce
  • For extra heat, swap the crushed red pepper flakes for sliced fresh chilies

Recipe overview

This Chicken Stir Fry with Peanuts and Orange Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken and peanuts with the sweet and tangy taste of oranges. It's a balanced and hearty meal that's perfect for weeknights, but also impressive enough for guests. This recipe incorporates crispy vegetables, tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty orange sauce, all cooked together in one pan for a quick and easy clean-up. The orange sauce, made with fresh orange juice and zest, gives the dish a refreshing twist, while the addition of soy and hoisin sauce provide a beautiful depth of flavor. With a heat level that's easily adjusted according to your preference, this stir fry can be either mild or spicy. Serve it on a bed of steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. With every bite, you'll enjoy a burst of flavors that are perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying. This Chicken Stir Fry with Peanuts and Orange Sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

TimeApprox. 30 min
Servings4 servings
CaloriesApprox. 500
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of protein instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or even a meat alternative like seitan.
  2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and quickly stir fry them when you're ready to eat.
  3. Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe? Absolutely, you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or omitting them entirely.
  4. Are there any alternatives to peanuts for this recipe? If you have allergies or preferences, you can use cashews, almonds, or sesame seeds as a substitute for peanuts.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Wok - A wok is ideal for stir-frying as its shape allows for even cooking and tossing of ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - Essential for slicing the chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients with precision.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Grater - Needed for grating fresh ginger to infuse the dish with flavor.
  • Small mixing bowl - Used for combining the ingredients for the orange sauce before adding it to the stir fry.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula - Helps in stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok without damaging the pan's surface.
  • Serving platter or bowls - For serving the chicken stir fry with peanuts and orange sauce at the table.
  • Rice cooker or pot - If not using pre-cooked rice, a rice cooker or pot is necessary to cook the rice to accompany the stir fry.

Origin stories

Stir-frying, as a cooking method, has its roots deeply embedded in East Asian cuisine, dating back to the Han dynasty in China. Interestingly, the invention of stir-frying was primarily due to practical reasons. Fuel in ancient times was scarce and precious. Thus, to conserve fuel, the Chinese started cutting their food into small, uniform pieces so it would cook faster. This led to the creation of the stir-frying technique we know today. The combination of chicken, peanuts and orange sauce, while not as ancient, is a testament to the adaptability of this cooking method to accommodate a variety of ingredients and flavors. The orange chicken stir-fry is a delightful fusion of East and West, with the sweet and tangy orange sauce taking a lead from the Western palate, while the chicken and peanuts maintain the traditional Eastern essence. The result is a dish that is exciting, flavorful, and a window into the cultural exchange that influences our food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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