Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Savory Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry, a delightful dish that brings the essence of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful sauce complemented by luscious pineapple chunks and the crunch of roasted cashew nuts. The boldness of ginger and the freshness of spring onions enhance every bite, creating a harmonious blend that is both sweet and savory. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish is quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this recipe strikes just the right balance of flavors for an unforgettable dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
3 large (cut into bite-sized pieces)
roasted cashew nuts
100 g (optional)
spring onions
8-12 (chopped)
onion
1 small (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
pineapple chunks
1 (7 ounce) can (in juice)
ginger root
2-3 inch chunk (peeled and chopped finely)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
rice wine
2 tablespoons (can use dry sherry)
soy sauce
3 tablespoons
honey
3 tablespoons
golden syrup
2 tablespoons
tomato ketchup
1 tablespoon
vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
cornflour
2 tablespoons
Chinese five spice powder
1/4 teaspoon
water
1/4 pint (plus a little more if needed)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, honey, golden syrup, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and cornflour. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
2
Heat the sunflower oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and ginger, sautéing for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
3
Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring frequently and cooking until they are golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the chopped green pepper and pineapple chunks into the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 5 minutes, adding half of the chopped spring onions after 2 minutes of cooking.
5
Add the crushed garlic and roasted cashew nuts, sautéing for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Bring it to a boil, allowing it to thicken for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually stir in a little extra water until the desired consistency is reached.
7
Finally, garnish with the remaining spring onions before serving.
8
Serve the Pineapple Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors of this Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry?
This dish features a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining honey, golden syrup, and pineapple with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another protein?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture, or substitute with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a different variation.
What can I use if I do not have rice wine?
If rice wine is unavailable, dry sherry is an excellent substitute for this recipe.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is the Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on sweet and savory notes. If you prefer spice, you can add red chili flakes or fresh chilies to the wok.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely. Fresh pineapple chunks work wonderfully and provide a vibrant flavor compared to canned options.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much after boiling, gradually stir in a little extra water until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the purpose of cornflour in this recipe?
Cornflour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving it a glossy and coatable texture.
Can I make this dish nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the roasted cashew nuts to make the dish safe for those with nut allergies.
What is the best way to serve this stir fry?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sweet and savory sauce.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be stirred frequently and cooked for approximately 5 minutes until it is golden brown.
Can I substitute golden syrup?
If you do not have golden syrup, you can use additional honey or maple syrup as a replacement.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for onion, green pepper, and spring onions, but you can add others like broccoli or snap peas.
How should I prepare the ginger root?
The ginger root should be peeled and chopped finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated, though the vegetables may lose some of their crunch.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Sunflower oil is recommended, but any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, will work.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen peppers or onions can be used, though fresh vegetables are preferred for the best texture.
What type of vinegar works best for the sauce?
Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar are common choices that provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness.
Do I need a wok to make this?
A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet or frying pan will also produce great results.
How do I know when the sauce is ready?
Once the sauce is poured in, bring it to a boil and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Is Chinese five spice powder necessary?
While only 1/4 teaspoon is used, it adds a unique depth of flavor characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice is a healthy alternative that pairs well with the flavors of this stir fry.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed or minced and added toward the end of the sautéing process to avoid burning.
What if I don't have tomato ketchup?
Ketchup adds acidity and sweetness; you can substitute it with a mix of tomato paste and a pinch of sugar.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet pineapple and mild flavors usually make this a big hit with children.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, but you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly rather than steaming.
How much water should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/4 pint of water, with extra available to adjust the thickness if needed.
When should I add the spring onions?
Add half of the chopped spring onions during the stir-fry and save the rest for a fresh garnish at the end.
Can I use light soy sauce instead of regular?
Yes, light soy sauce works well. If you want a deeper color, you can use a mix of light and dark soy sauce.
Is this dish healthy?
This dish contains lean protein and vegetables, though it does have sugar from honey and syrup; you can adjust these levels to your preference.