Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry
Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Caramelised Chicken and Chilli Stir-Fry recipe! Made with tender chicken thighs, crunchy cashews, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a delightful combination of brown sugar and soy sauce, this dish is elevated with the fresh zest of basil leaves and the heat of red hot chili peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that's both flavorful and satisfying!
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp peanut oil1/2 cup cashew
6 chicken thighs
2 red onions
2 red hot chili peppers
1 tbsp ginger root
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup basil leaves
Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry is a delectable blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for those who crave a bit of heat in their meals. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with crunchy cashews, aromatic red onions, and a rich caramelised sauce made with brown sugar and soy sauce. The addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and red hot chili peppers provides an extra kick, while fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish. Whether you're a stir-fry enthusiast or a newcomer to Asian-inspired cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Instructions:
- Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onions and chili peppers.
- Finely grate the ginger root and mince the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the basil leaves.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the cashews and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant.
- Remove the cashews from the pan and set aside.
- In the same wok or frying pan, add the chicken pieces.
- Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Add the sliced red onions and chili peppers to the same pan.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the vegetables and stir well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to melt and caramelise.
- Return the cooked chicken and cashews to the pan.
- Drizzle with vinegar and soy sauce.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is coated in the caramelised sauce.
- Finally, add the roughly chopped basil leaves.
- Give everything one last good stir, allowing the basil to wilt slightly in the heat of the dish.
- Serve the caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry hot, straight from the pan.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken thighs are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Toast the cashews in the peanut oil separately until golden brown before adding other ingredients to enhance their flavor.
- Slice the red onions thinly to allow them to caramelise properly and meld with the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red hot chili peppers based on your tolerance for heat; you can remove the seeds to reduce spiciness.
- Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for adding depth to the dish, so try to avoid using powdered substitutes.
- Keep a close watch on the brown sugar while caramelising to prevent it from burning, stirring constantly.
- Add the basil leaves at the end of cooking to maintain their fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Caramelised chicken and chilli stir-fry brings together a symphony of flavors and textures that will excite your taste buds. With a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and aromatic herbs, this dish is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice or noodles for a complete meal. By following these tips and paying attention to detail, you'll achieve a restaurant-quality stir-fry right in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 630kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 2.78g
Sugar 36g
Fat 36g
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