Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Hoisin Chicken and Snow Peas Stir-Fry?
It is a quick Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, crisp snow peas, and water chestnuts in a sweet and savory hoisin sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 170 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this stir-fry?
Each serving contains 13.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.
How do I prepare the snow peas?
Trim and remove the strings, then soak them in cold water if they aren't crisp before blotting them dry.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used to coat the chicken, which helps it brown and thickens the sauce slightly.
How should I prepare the water chestnuts?
Use half of a 4-ounce can and cut them into quarters.
What ingredients make up the sauce?
The sauce is a simple combination of hoisin sauce and sugar.
What kind of oil is best for stir-frying this dish?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its high smoke point.
How long should I cook the chicken?
Sautรฉ the chicken for about 2 minutes or until it is just barely cooked through.
What is the final cooking step?
Add the snow peas, water chestnuts, sauce, and sugar to the skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until glossy.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
It pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or chewy noodles.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The oil should be heated until it is nearly smoking before adding the chicken.
Why should I blot the vegetables dry?
Blotting them dry prevents excess moisture from steaming the dish, ensuring a proper stir-fry texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is designed to be ready in just a few minutes.
Can I use a wok for this recipe?
Yes, either a large nonstick skillet or a wok can be used.
How much hoisin sauce is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
Do I need to add salt to the chicken?
Yes, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the chicken pieces along with the cornstarch.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the flavors.
What are the primary textures in this dish?
The dish features tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and crisp snow peas.
What cuisine does this dish represent?
It is a take on classic Chinese cuisine.
Can I make this dish if I am on a high-protein diet?
With 13.5g of protein and only 170 calories, it is a good option for those seeking protein-rich meals.
Should the snow peas be cooked until soft?
No, they should be stir-fried briefly so they remain crisp and vibrant.
What happens if I don't trim the snow peas?
Trimming and removing strings ensures the snow peas are pleasant to eat and not stringy.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on snow peas and water chestnuts, you can add other stir-fry favorites if desired.
Does the chicken need to be marinated?
No marination is needed; simply toss the chicken in salt and cornstarch right before cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 ingredients: snow peas, water chestnuts, chicken breast, salt, cornstarch, vegetable oil, hoisin sauce, and sugar.