Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this delightful Chicken & New Onion Stir-Fry, a vibrant dish inspired by Japanese cuisine. Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled amongst crisp-tender new onions, all tossed in a savory and subtly sweet sauce. This recipe balances the richness of the chicken with the delicate sweetness of the onions, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The fresh, clean flavors are incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to achieve.
This recipe prioritizes simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making it accessible to even novice cooks. The result is a restaurant-quality stir-fry that you can easily replicate at home. Ready to create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions that will guide you through this delicious journey.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- New onion (1 large or smaller): 1
- Lettuce
- Salt: a pinch
- Soy sauce
- Mayonnaise: to taste
- Chili bean paste: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut chicken thighs into pieces suitable for deep frying.
- Cut the new onion. Remove the top and bottom, peel off the dry outer layers.
- Cut the onion into approximately 1cm thick slices.
- Roughly tear the lettuce into large pieces. Rinse in cold water for added crispness.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken
- Add oil to the frying pan. Arrange chicken skin-side down. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the skin is crispy and golden brown and releases its oil.
- Remove the cooked chicken, reserving the rendered chicken fat.
Step 3. Stir-fry Onions and Combine
- Add the sliced onions to the pan with the reserved chicken fat. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Stir-fry until softened slightly, retaining some texture.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Mix well with the onions.
- Add soy sauce and cook, tilting the pan to slightly burn the soy sauce for added flavor.
- Stir everything together.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Serve on a plate, garnish with lettuce. Add mayonnaise and/or chili bean paste to taste.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Using the rendered chicken fat to fry the onions adds extra flavor.
- Slightly burning the soy sauce enhances the overall taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of onions besides new onions?
Yes! Yellow onions or white onions will work well, but keep in mind they might have a slightly stronger flavor. Reduce the amount slightly if you're using a different type.
2. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
Ensure the chicken is completely dry before adding it to the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan, allowing the chicken to brown properly. A cornstarch coating helps create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
This Crispy Chicken & Sweet Onion Stir-Fry offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, proving that delicious and healthy meals can be quick and easy. We hope you enjoyed this Japanese-inspired recipe and that it becomes a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Now go forth and create your own delicious stir-fry masterpiece!