The Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and a delightful sauce, all served over aromatic jasmine rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time, this recipe is simple, yet incredibly delicious. If you’re looking for a dish that packs a punch of flavor while being easy and fast to prepare, this stir-fry is just the ticket!
Ingredients
To create the perfect Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice, gather the following ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken provides a lean source of protein and is juicy when stir-fried. The key is to slice it into thin strips for quick cooking.
- 30ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil: This oil is essential for stir-frying, ensuring the chicken and vegetables cook evenly and don’t stick to the skillet. A neutral oil works best.
- 1 bell pepper (sliced): Any color works—red, green, or yellow—adding sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Broccoli is not only colorful but also adds fiber and nutrients. It should be cut into small florets for even cooking.
- 1 carrot (julienned): The carrot adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful vivid orange color, enhancing the aesthetics and flavor of the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, infusing the dish with a fragrant aroma as it cooks.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced): Ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- 60ml (1/4 cup) teriyaki sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor that makes the stir-fry irresistible.
- 15-30ml (1-2 tbsp) sriracha (adjust to taste): For those who enjoy a kick, sriracha brings heat that balances out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish): Toasted sesame seeds add a slight nutty flavor and texture as a finishing touch.
- 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish): Fresh green onions provide a burst of color and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall presentation.
For the Jasmine Rice:
- 200g (1 cup) jasmine rice: Jasmine rice is fragrant and slightly sticky, making it perfect for pairing with stir-fry dishes.
- 480ml (2 cups) water: The amount of water needed to properly cook the rice.
- 1.25ml (1/4 tsp) salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the rice, making it more delicious when served with the stir-fry.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice
Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to continue cooking and absorb the steam, making it fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Stir-fry the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This helps prevent overcooking while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot to the remaining oil. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. It’s important to retain some crunch for texture. As the veggies cook, add in the minced garlic and minced ginger, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until they become fragrant. The aromatics elevate the flavor profile significantly during this stage.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and sriracha, adjusting the amount of sriracha to your heat preference. Toss everything together to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on medium heat to let the flavors meld and to heat everything through.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything is combined and heated, fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork. Serve the spicy teriyaki chicken stir-fry over a generous portion of rice. Garnish each serving with sesame seeds and sliced green onions to add a fresh and appealing look to the dish.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure Even Slicing: For quick cooking, slice the chicken breasts evenly into thin strips. This guarantees that they cook uniformly and quickly in the skillet.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients without steaming them. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding ingredients to achieve that ideal stir-fry texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ginger and garlic for superior flavor. If fresh ginger isn’t available, ground ginger can be used, but fresh is always preferred.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables into this dish, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or snow peas, to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: This dish can easily be prepped ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for a few hours or overnight for more flavor. Just cook the stir-fry shortly before serving.
Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a different flavor. Ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegan Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and ensure your teriyaki sauce is plant-based. You can also try coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
- Noodle Option: Instead of serving over rice, stir-fry with cooked noodles such as soba or udon for a different take on this dish.
FAQs
Can I make this stir-fry in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply stir-fry them together and add the sauce. The jasmine rice can also be cooked ahead and reheated.
What can I use if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can mix soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and a splash of rice vinegar as a substitute.
Can I substitute jasmine rice with other types of rice?
Yes, you can use various types of rice such as basmati, long-grain white rice, or brown rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times and water ratios may vary.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. For milder heat, start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
The Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Jasmine Rice is a quick and robust dish that combines perfect flavors and textures in one pan. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or any time hunger strikes. With this recipe, you can take a classic stir-fry and give it your own twist, ensuring that it never gets boring. Enjoy making this vibrant and delightful dish, and share it with family and friends for a meal that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!