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This colorful stir fry combines tender ground chicken with crisp green beans and rainbow vegetables, all enveloped in a silky sesame ginger sauce. Each forkful delivers the perfect balance of protein and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that comes together faster than takeout delivery.
I discovered this recipe during one of those inspiring clean out the fridge moments, and it has since become a weekly staple in my home. The way the sauce clings to every piece of chicken and vegetable makes each bite absolutely crave worthy.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Ground chicken: Creates a tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. Look for lean meat with a slight pink color
- Fresh green beans: Should snap crisply and have a vibrant color without any brown spots
- Carrots: Need to be firm and bright orange, perfect for adding natural sweetness
- Red bell peppers: Bring beautiful color and sweet crunch. Choose ones that feel heavy and firm
- Fresh ginger root: Should be firm with smooth skin, avoiding any soft spots
- Low sodium soy sauce: Allows you to control the saltiness while adding rich umami
- Toasted sesame oil: Brings essential nutty depth to the sauce
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness that balances the sauce perfectly
The fresh ginger makes all the difference in this recipe. I always keep a hand of ginger in my freezer, ready to grate directly into dishes like this.
Creating Stir Fry Magic
- Preparation Phase:
- Trim green beans into 2 inch pieces, ensuring they're all similar size for even cooking. Julienne carrots into thin matchsticks about 2 inches long. Slice bell peppers into thin strips. Mince ginger and garlic until very fine.
- Sauce Creation:
- Combine 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce with 2 tablespoons sesame oil in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon coconut sugar, minced ginger, and garlic. Whisk in 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch until completely smooth.
- Protein Cooking:
- Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and no pink remains.
- Vegetable Harmony:
- Remove chicken to a plate. Add another tablespoon oil to pan. Start with carrots and onions, cooking 3 minutes until starting to soften. Add bell peppers and green beans, cooking 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Bringing It Together:
- Return chicken to pan with vegetables. Pour sauce mixture over everything, stirring gently to coat. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating everything beautifully.
- Final Touches:
- Turn off heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cashews. Let rest 2 minutes to allow sauce to settle and flavors to meld perfectly.
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Growing up watching my mother cook stir fries, she always emphasized the importance of hearing that sizzle when ingredients hit the pan. Now I understand that proper heat creates that perfect restaurant style finish.
Perfect Temperature Control
Maintaining the right heat throughout cooking makes all the difference in stir fry success. Start with a hot pan to sear the chicken properly, then adjust the heat as needed when cooking vegetables. Too high heat can burn the aromatics, while too low won't achieve that perfect tender crisp texture in the vegetables.
Sauce Secrets
The key to an irresistible stir fry lies in its sauce. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar creates the foundation, while fresh ginger and garlic add aromatic depth. Arrowroot starch helps the sauce cling perfectly to every ingredient, creating a glossy finish that's both beautiful and delicious.
Smart Storage Solutions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making this dish perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture, and warm gently to preserve the vegetable texture.
Versatile Serving Ideas
Serve this vibrant stir fry over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. Adding a side of quick pickled cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the main dish.
Mindful Meal Planning
This recipe doubles easily for larger families or meal prep purposes. The vegetables can be chopped ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making weeknight dinner assembly even quicker. Prepare extra sauce to keep on hand for quick stir fries any time.
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After years of making stir fries, I've found that taking time to prepare ingredients properly and respecting the cooking process creates a dish that rivals any restaurant version. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce makes this recipe a true family favorite that's worth mastering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different vegetables in this stir fry?
- Yes, you can swap in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms while keeping the same cooking technique.
- → Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, when made with coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch or arrowroot starch.
- → Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
- Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats nicely.
- → What can I substitute for ground chicken?
- Ground turkey works well, or you can use diced chicken breast or thighs instead of ground meat.
- → Can I make this less spicy?
- Yes, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the heat level.