Solo stir fry night: quick and easy chicken stir fry recipe for one that’ll satisfy

Craving a delicious and satisfying chicken stir fry but cooking for one? Look no further! This recipe is specially designed for solo diners, offering a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of culinary magic, you’ll have a restaurant-quality stir fry in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup sliced onion
• 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
• 1/4 cup sliced carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced snow peas
• 1/4 cup bean sprouts
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, slice the onion, bell pepper, carrots, snow peas, and bean sprouts.
3. Heat the Wok or Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or nonstick skillet over high heat.
4. Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the wok and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the carrots, snow peas, and bean sprouts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Return the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the wok and stir to combine with the vegetables.
7. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add this mixture to the wok and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the stir fry and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• For a spicier stir fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• If you don’t have a wok, a large nonstick skillet will work just fine.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables, as they should remain slightly crisp.
• If you want a gluten-free stir fry, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free cornstarch.
• Add your favorite protein source, such as shrimp, tofu, or beef, to make it a more complete meal.

Variations

• Veggie Stir Fry: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Stir Fry: Add a chopped chili pepper to the marinade for a fiery kick.
• Sweet and Sour Stir Fry: Add 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Thai Stir Fry: Add 1 tablespoon of Thai curry paste to the marinade for an exotic twist.
• Teriyaki Stir Fry: Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Benefits of Cooking for One

Cooking for one can be a rewarding experience, offering several benefits:

• Control: You have complete control over the ingredients and portions, ensuring a healthy and balanced meal.
• Convenience: Solo cooking allows for quick and easy meal preparation, saving you time and effort.
• Flexibility: You can experiment with flavors and ingredients to create meals that suit your taste preferences.
• Mindfulness: Cooking for one encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the food you consume.
• Budget-Friendly: Cooking solo can help you save money by avoiding restaurant markups and food waste.

“Stir”ing Up Your Culinary Skills

This chicken stir fry recipe for one is a great way to hone your culinary skills and impress yourself with a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a successful and satisfying culinary experience.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir fry?
A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables. Simply thaw them before adding them to the wok.

Q: How long can I store leftover stir fry?
A: Leftover stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: What are some healthy side dishes to serve with stir fry?
A: Healthy side dishes for stir fry include brown rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.