3 Step Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry Better Than Takeout

Key Takeaways

Craving that delicious, savory, and sweet Chinese takeout flavor? Hoisin Chicken offers a fantastic solution, and evilchefmom is here to show you how to create a quick and easy stir-fry that’s even better than what you’d get delivered. This sticky chicken sauce recipe is perfect for weeknights, and it’s packed with fresh ingredients and incredible taste. Discover the secrets to this asian glazed chicken delight, complete with customizable veggie mixes and convenient substitutes.

What Makes This Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry Better Than Takeout?

This hoisin chicken stir fry triumphs over takeout because it offers unparalleled freshness, control over ingredients, and a customizable flavour profile tailored to your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and vegetable mix to create a truly bespoke meal.

As the security experts at evilchefmom, we understand the importance of feeling secure and satisfied. Just as we prioritize your safety, we also believe in providing you with recipes that deliver exceptional taste and convenience. This hoisin chicken stir fry recipe is designed to be superior to takeout in several key aspects:

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  Freshness: Unlike takeout, where ingredients may have been sitting for a while, this recipe uses fresh, vibrant ingredients that enhance the overall flavour and nutritional value.
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  Customization: You have complete control over the ingredients. Want more broccoli or less sugar? No problem. This recipe adapts to your specific tastes and dietary needs.
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  Cost-Effectiveness: Making this stir fry at home is often more economical than ordering takeout, especially for multiple servings.
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  Healthier Options: You can use leaner cuts of chicken, control the amount of oil and sodium, and load up on vegetables, making it a healthier choice than many takeout options.
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  Speed: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Furthermore, understanding the nutritional benefits of each ingredient allows you to make informed choices. For instance, broccoli is a great source of Vitamin C and fiber, while chicken provides essential protein. By making it yourself, you ensure a balanced and wholesome meal.

According to a study by the Food Standards Agency in the UK, home-cooked meals tend to be lower in fat, sugar, and salt compared to restaurant meals. This quick stir fry recipe aligns with this trend, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavour.

What Ingredients Do I Need for This 3-Step Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry?

To prepare this delectable Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry, you’ll need chicken, hoisin sauce, your favourite veggies, and a few other simple ingredients. This includes chicken breasts or thighs, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and an assortment of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots.

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients to ensure you have everything you need to create this amazing dish:

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  Chicken: 500g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs offer a richer flavour due to their higher fat content, but chicken breasts are a leaner option.
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  Hoisin Sauce: 6 tablespoons. Hoisin sauce is the star of this dish, providing a sweet and savory flavour. Look for high-quality brands for the best taste.
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  Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Soy sauce adds a salty umami dimension to the sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
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  Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil provides a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavour profile.
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  Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavour.
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  Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated. Ginger provides a warm and spicy note.
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  Vegetables: 2 cups of your favourite mix, such as broccoli florets, snap peas, sliced carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Fresh vegetables provide essential nutrients and add a satisfying crunch.
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  Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening the sauce).
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  Water: 2 tablespoons (if using cornstarch).
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  Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving. Choose your preferred base, such as white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
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  Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).

According to a report by the British Nutrition Foundation, incorporating a variety of colourful vegetables into your diet can significantly boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe encourages you to experiment with different vegetable combinations, ensuring a nutrient-rich and satisfying meal.

What Are the 3 Simple Steps to Make This Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry?

The three steps are: prepare the ingredients, stir-fry the chicken and vegetables, and add the hoisin sauce. This involves chopping the vegetables, cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, stir-frying the chicken and vegetables until tender, and then adding the sticky chicken sauce.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step to ensure your chicken stir fry is a success:

Step 1: How Do I Prepare the Ingredients?

Start by prepping all your ingredients. This means cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chopping the vegetables into uniform sizes, mincing the garlic, and grating the ginger. Having everything ready before you start cooking ensures a smooth and efficient stir-frying process.

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  Chicken Preparation: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into roughly 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat.
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  Vegetable Preparation: Wash and chop your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Broccoli florets should be roughly 1-inch in size, carrots should be sliced thinly, and bell peppers should be diced.
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  Aromatics Preparation: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having these aromatics ready to go will save time and prevent burning during the stir-frying process.
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  Sauce Preparation: In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. If you’re using cornstarch, mix it with water in a separate bowl. This ensures the sauce is ready to be added to the stir fry at the right moment.

According to a study published in the Journal of Culinary Science & Technology, proper mise en place (preparing all ingredients before cooking) significantly improves the efficiency and quality of the final dish. By taking the time to prepare your ingredients, you set yourself up for a successful and enjoyable cooking experience.

Step 2: How Do I Stir-Fry the Chicken and Vegetables?

Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and, once hot, add the chicken. Stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through. Then, add the vegetables and continue to stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. The key is to keep the heat high and stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.

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  Heat the Wok: Place a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Ensure the pan is thoroughly heated before adding any oil.
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  Add Oil: Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot wok. Swirl the oil around to coat the surface of the pan.
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  Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
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  Add Vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. The vegetables should still have a slight crunch to them.
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  Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this can impart a bitter taste.

According to research from the Institute of Food Technologists, stir-frying at high heat helps to retain the nutrients in vegetables while enhancing their flavour. The rapid cooking process prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and ensures they maintain their vibrant colour and texture.

Step 3: How Do I Add the Hoisin Sauce and Finish the Stir Fry?

Pour the hoisin sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and evenly coated the ingredients. If using a cornstarch slurry, add it now to thicken the sauce further. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

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  Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared hoisin sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the wok.
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  Stir-Fry: Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the sauce is evenly distributed and coats all the ingredients. The sauce should start to thicken slightly.
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  Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
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  Serve: Serve the Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
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  Garnish (Optional): Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavour and visual appeal.

According to a study by the University of Oxford, serving food immediately after cooking helps to preserve its nutritional value and flavour. This is especially important for stir-fries, as the vegetables can become soggy if left to sit for too long.

What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce? What Are Some Substitutes?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a touch of vinegar to mimic its flavour. A mixture of black bean sauce and honey can also work as a substitute.

Here are a few options to consider:

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  Soy Sauce, Peanut Butter, Honey, and Vinegar: Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of vinegar. This combination provides a balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavours similar to hoisin sauce.
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  Black Bean Sauce and Honey: Mix 2 tablespoons of black bean sauce with 1 tablespoon of honey. This option offers a savory and slightly fermented flavour with a touch of sweetness.
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  Plum Sauce: While not a direct substitute, plum sauce offers a similar sweet and fruity flavour profile that can work well in a stir fry.
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  DIY Hoisin Sauce: Create your own version by blending fermented soybean paste, garlic, five-spice powder, sugar, and vinegar.

According to a report by the Institute of Culinary Education, experimenting with different flavour combinations can lead to exciting culinary discoveries. Don’t be afraid to try different substitutes and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

What Are Some Good Vegetable Combinations for This Stir Fry?

Popular choices include broccoli, snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, and onions. You can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or water chestnuts for variety. The key is to choose vegetables that cook at a similar rate to ensure they are all tender-crisp at the same time.

Here are a few combinations to inspire you:

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  Classic Combination: Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. This combination offers a mix of textures and colours, providing a balanced and nutritious meal.
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  Colourful Medley: Red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and green bell pepper. This combination is visually appealing and packed with vitamins.
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  Earthy Blend: Mushrooms, zucchini, and onions. This combination offers a savory and umami-rich flavour profile.
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  Crunchy Mix: Water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and celery. This combination provides a satisfying crunch and a refreshing flavour.

According to the World Health Organization, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential for maintaining good health. Aim to include a rainbow of colours in your stir-fries to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.

What’s the Best Way to Serve Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry?

Serve it hot over cooked rice or noodles. White rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or rice noodles all work well. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavour and visual appeal.

Here are some serving suggestions:

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  White Rice: A classic choice that provides a neutral base for the flavourful Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry.
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  Brown Rice: A healthier option that offers more fiber and nutrients than white rice.
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  Egg Noodles: These noodles have a rich flavour and a slightly chewy texture that pairs well with the sticky chicken sauce.
• 💡 Verdict: This Hoisin Chicken stir-fry recipe is a winner, delivering a delicious, customizable, and healthier meal that effortlessly outshines traditional takeout. Its quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, promising satisfaction with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions