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This chicken and zucchini stir-fry came from my passion for Asian cooking and my need for quick yet tasty meals. Soy sauce blends 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 nicely balances crispy veggies with tender chicken.
My Go-To For Busy Evenings
I always turn to this dish on hectic weeknights. The mix of honey and soy sauce makes an amazing sauce everyone in the family loves. The zucchini stays crisp and the chicken remains juicy—it's really the perfect meal when you want to eat healthy without spending forever in the kitchen.
Shopping List
- Chicken: 500g of fresh breast from my local butcher
- Zucchini: 2 firm ones from the farmers market
- Sesame oil: My favorite Asian touch
- Soy sauce: The highest quality you can find
- Honey: My local acacia honey
- Rice vinegar: For that slight tang
- Garlic: 2 fragrant cloves
- Ginger: A nice fresh piece
- Sesame seeds: Golden and crunchy
- Green onion: For freshness
- Seasonings: Sea salt and black pepper
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Golden chicken
- I start by cooking chicken in hot sesame oil. I watch it carefully to make sure it browns just right.
- Crisp zucchini
- I quickly stir-fry my zucchini so they stay crunchy—that's what makes this dish special.
- Magical sauce
- I mix all my sauce ingredients together, making sure the honey completely dissolves. That's the key to a balanced flavor.
- Bringing it together
- I put everything back in my pan and let it simmer so the flavors can blend perfectly.
- Finishing touches
- I sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top 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 perfectly. The sauce should simmer just long enough to get slightly thick.
Tasty Alternatives
For my vegetarian friends, I swap chicken for marinated firm tofu. I also like adding shiitake mushrooms when I can find them. Maple syrup works just as well as honey and gives a different but equally yummy flavor.
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Serving Ideas
I put my stir-fry over fragrant basmati rice or veggie noodles. For extra freshness I sometimes add steamed broccoli on the side. A handful of toasted cashews thrown in at the last minute adds that special something that makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat gently. The zucchini might soften more, but the flavor will remain great.
- → Can I swap out the honey?
- Sure, you can replace it with maple syrup or brown sugar. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- → What sides go well with this?
- This is great with white rice, stir-fried noodles, or quinoa. The veggies and sauce pair well with these staples.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove or using a microwave.
- → Is fresh ginger necessary?
- Fresh ginger has the best flavor, but powdered ginger (about 1/2 teaspoon) works in a pinch.