Sesame Chicken Stir-fry

Happy Firefighter Friday (#FFF) everyone! I've been revamping my site a bit, so I apologize for any delays, inconsistencies, or missing information. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, otherwise things should be getting back to normal by next week!

Today's firefighter meal is one of my personal favorites! When I make this meal, I make a lot, as it reheats very well for leftovers!

In my opinion, there are six essential ingredients that really make a stir-fry taste good.

Behold! Garlic, ginger, scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. I believe these items to be quintessential in acquiring a really delicious taste. The amounts, however, are subjective and can be tailored to your personal palate.

SESAME CHICKEN STIR-FRY

1 lb. chicken tenders, cooked and chopped into bite-size bits

3 c. cooked short-grain brown rice

1 T. garlic, minced

1-2 T. ginger, chopped fine

3 scallions, chopped

1/4-1 t. red pepper flakes, depending on your taste for spice

2-3 T. soy sauce

2-3 T. rice vinegar

2 T. neutral oil, I use grapeseed

1 1/2 T. toasted sesame oil

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 4 oz. can water chestnuts

1-2 c. green cabbage, shredded

1/2 c. frozen green peas, rinsed

1/4 c. sesame seeds, toasted

Heat a pan with the neutral and toasted sesame oils. Add garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and scallions and saute for about 2 minutes. Add carrots and celery and cook until slightly soft. Add cabbage and water chestnuts. Cook until cabbage is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add in cooked rice and continue cooking while stirring. Add cooked chicken and peas and heat through. Sprinkle with soy sauce and rice vinegar. Cook everything for another 5-10 minutes on low to let flavors blend. Top with sesame seeds and enjoy!

 

This is a great vehicle for vegetables about to go bad, as well as leftover rice and chicken. In fact, many say the best rice for stir-fry is day-old! I personally love water chestnuts and find that they add a nice crunch to this dish, as most everything else is fairly soft.

This weekend will be spent lounging around the pool (our temps are going to be in the 100s!) and looking for a cool present for my husband's birthday on Monday! If you guys have any ideas (especially crafts), please let me know!

What is the coolest gift you've given someone?

What are your plans this weekend?

Stop by Monday for a vegan, gluten-free fig newton recipe! Have a great weekend!