Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts with baking soda, cornstarch, water, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes. This step, known as velveting, helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a silky texture.
- After marinating, rinse the chicken under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside to have a ready sauce that complements the stir fry.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with a little salt and pepper. Stir-fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the frozen green beans directly to the skillet and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until they are heated through and slightly tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the green beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and beans, stirring to coat everything evenly. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes to heat through and slightly thicken, creating a delicious glaze.
- Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh, crunchy finish that balances the dish beautifully.
Notes
Velveting technique: This method keeps the chicken tender and silky, just like in restaurant stir-fries. Don’t skip rinsing off the baking soda after marinating!
Using frozen green beans: They cook quickly and maintain a crisp-tender texture which is perfect for this stir fry.
Prepare the sauce in advance: Whisk the sauce ingredients together before cooking. Having it ready saves time and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Adjusting flavors: Feel free to tweak the sauce to your taste. Adding a little extra hoisin for sweetness or a splash of soy sauce for more saltiness can personalize your dish.
Garnishing: Don’t forget to garnish with sesame seeds and green onions as it adds a fresh and appealing finish.
