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This chicken and zucchini stir-fry came from my love of Asian cooking and my need for quick yet tasty meals. Soy sauce works wonderfully with honey and ginger, creating a mix that takes your taste buds on a journey. I love watching my kids enjoy this dish that smoothly combines crisp veggies with tender chicken.
My Lifesaver For Busy Evenings
I always turn to this dish on hectic weeknights. The mix of honey and soy sauce makes an amazing sauce that everyone in the family loves. The zucchini stays crisp and the chicken remains juicy - it's truly the perfect meal when you want to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Shopping List
- Chicken: 500g of fresh breasts from my local butcher
- Zucchini: 2 firm ones from the farmer's market
- Sesame oil: My favorite Asian touch
- Soy sauce: The highest quality you can find
- Honey: My local acacia variety
- Rice vinegar: For that slight tangy kick
- Garlic: 2 fragrant cloves
- Ginger: A nice fresh chunk
- Sesame seeds: Golden and crunchy
- Green onion: For a fresh finish
- Seasonings: Sea salt and black pepper
Step By Step Guide
- Golden chicken
- I start with chicken in hot sesame oil. I watch it closely to make sure it gets that perfect golden color.
- Crispy zucchini
- I quickly stir-fry my zucchini so they stay crunchy - that's what makes this dish special.
- Flavor-packed sauce
- I mix all my sauce ingredients together, making sure the honey fully dissolves. That's the key to a balanced sauce.
- Bringing it together
- I combine everything in my pan and let it simmer so the flavors can blend perfectly.
- Finishing touches
- I sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions just before serving.
Cooking Tips
I always heat my sesame oil until it's hot but not smoking. I often cook in batches so each ingredient cooks just right. The sauce should simmer only enough to get slightly thick.
Tasty Twists
For my veggie friends, I swap chicken for marinated firm tofu. I also love adding shiitake mushrooms when I can find them. Maple syrup works as a tasty alternative to honey.
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Serving Ideas
I put my stir-fry over fragrant basmati rice or veggie noodles. Sometimes I add steamed broccoli for extra freshness. A handful of roasted cashews at the last minute gives that special something that makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Sure, you can cook it earlier and gently rewarm it. The zucchini may soften more, but it'll still taste great.
- → Is there a honey substitute?
- Yes, you can swap in maple syrup or brown sugar. Adjust the amount to match your taste.
- → What goes well with it?
- It pairs wonderfully with white rice, stir-fried noodles, or quinoa. The sauce and veggies complement these sides perfectly.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently using a pan or microwave.
- → Is fresh ginger a must?
- Fresh ginger adds the best flavor, but powdered ginger (use 1/2 tsp) can work as a backup.