This plum and ginger chicken recipe takes the classic combination of these two unique flavors to a whole new level. It’s a delightful mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that are sure to impress. The fresh ginger root gives the dish a warm, aromatic kick, while the plum sauce contributes a unique, fruity sweetness. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or a special occasion.
The key ingredients in this recipe are fresh ginger root and plum sauce. Fresh ginger root is a common ingredient in most supermarkets, usually found in the produce section. Its spicy, aromatic flavor is essential for this recipe. Plum sauce, however, might be a new ingredient for some. It's a sweet and tangy sauce originating from Chinese cuisine, predominantly made from plums, sugar, and vinegar. You can find it in the international or Asian sections of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Plum and Ginger Chicken
Long grain white rice: This type of rice absorbs the flavors well and gives a nice texture.
Plum sauce: It provides the main flavor profile, a mix of sweet and sour.
Light corn syrup: Used for additional sweetness and consistency.
Soy sauce: Gives a savory umami flavor.
Garlic: Used for its pungent flavor and aroma.
Chicken bouillon granules: Enhances the meaty flavor.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
Chicken breast: The main protein source of the dish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives the chicken a crispy texture.
Fresh ginger root: Gives the dish a warm, spicy kick.
Snow peas: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.
Fresh mushrooms: Adds a savory taste and meaty texture.
One reader, Laraine Snider says:
This plum and ginger chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, and the chicken turns out tender and juicy. The combination of plum and ginger is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken dish to a whole new level!
Key Techniques for Mastering This Recipe
How to prepare the plum sauce mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the plum sauce, corn syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken bouillon granules until well combined.
How to cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Coat the chicken breasts in cornstarch and cook them in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear.
How to incorporate the ginger, snow peas, and mushrooms: After cooking the chicken, add the fresh ginger, snow peas, and mushrooms to the skillet. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.
How to serve: Serve the plum and ginger chicken over cooked rice for a delicious meal.
How To Make Plum and Ginger Chicken
The best way to amp up chicken? Turn it into a flavorful ginger chicken that’s made tender and tart with a rich plum sauce that’s paired with fluffy rice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cuplong grain white rice,uncooked
- 2cupswater
- ⅔cupplum sauce
- ½cuplight corn syrup
- 2tbspsoy sauce
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 4chicken bouillon granules,packets
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 4chicken breast,skinless boneless halves, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4tbspcornstarch
- ¾tspfresh ginger root,minced
- 2cupssnow peas,trimmed
- 1cupfresh mushrooms,sliced
Instructions
-
Bring the rice and water to a boil in a pot. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
-
Mix the plum sauce, corn syrup, soy sauce, garlic, and bouillon in a small bowl.
-
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Coat the chicken in cornstarch, and cook 5 minutes in the skillet, or until juices run clear.
-
Mix in ginger, snow peas, and mushrooms, and continue cooking until tender. Stir in the plum sauce mixture. Cook until heated through.
-
Serve chicken with cooked rice and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 431.91kcal
- Fat: 16.32g
- Saturated Fat: 3.56g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.46g
- Carbohydrates: 45.19g
- Fiber: 1.32g
- Sugar: 23.85g
- Protein: 26.73g
- Cholesterol: 74.59mg
- Sodium: 1208.38mg
- Calcium: 45.99mg
- Potassium: 482.37mg
- Iron: 2.23mg
- Vitamin A: 46.16µg
- Vitamin C: 20.37mg
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin
When coating the chicken with cornstarch, it's best to shake off any excess to ensure a light, crispy texture when cooked. Also, when adding the ginger, snow peas, and mushrooms to the skillet, make sure to stir frequently to prevent them from burning and to ensure they cook evenly. Lastly, when stirring in the plum sauce mixture, do so gradually to allow the flavors to meld together without overpowering the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Opt for one-pot recipes that minimize cleanup and cooking time, such as stews, casseroles, and stir-fries.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of certain components, like rice or grilled chicken, and use them in multiple dishes throughout the week.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Substitute Ingredients For Plum and Ginger Chicken Recipe
plum sauce - Substitute with apricot preserves: Apricot preserves can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, and they can be used in the same quantity as plum sauce.
light corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and stickiness to the dish, similar to corn syrup, and it can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar rich, savory flavor that can be used in the same quantity.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can be used in the same quantity for a different aromatic profile.
chicken bouillon granules - Substitute with vegetable bouillon granules: Vegetable bouillon granules can provide a similar savory flavor and can be used in the same quantity as chicken bouillon.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a hint of tropical flavor to the dish and can be used in the same quantity as vegetable oil.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in the same quantity as cornstarch and provides a similar texture.
fresh ginger root - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger in a 1:1 ratio, providing a similar flavor and aroma.
snow peas - Substitute with sugar snap peas: Sugar snap peas have a similar crunch and sweetness to snow peas and can be used in the same quantity.
fresh mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms can provide a deeper, earthy flavor compared to regular mushrooms and can be used in the same quantity for a more robust taste.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Presentation
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add color and vibrancy to the plate.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a variety of textures to the dish to create an exciting dining experience. Consider adding a crispy wonton strip for crunch alongside the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Showcase the rich hues of the dish by using a minimalist approach to plating. Allow the natural colors of the plum sauce, snow peas, and mushrooms to shine through, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize precision in portioning: Pay attention to the size and shape of each component on the plate. Ensure that the rice is molded into a neat, compact shape and the chicken is sliced with precision to demonstrate attention to detail.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use the plum sauce as a canvas and drizzle it around the plate in a visually appealing manner. This technique adds an artistic touch to the presentation and showcases the flavors of the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and refined serving ware to complement the dish. Opt for porcelain plates and chopstick rests to elevate the overall dining experience.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the elements on the plate thoughtfully, ensuring a balanced composition. Consider the placement of each component to create a visually harmonious presentation that reflects culinary expertise.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Plum and Ginger Chicken
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing marinades, sauces, and dressings.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, marinating meats, and preparing various components of a dish. It comes in different sizes and materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients. It's a versatile tool for cooking chicken, vegetables, and other foods.
Pot: A pot is a deep, round container with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking stews, soups, boiling rice, and simmering sauces. It's an indispensable tool for many cooking tasks.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing, dicing, and cutting ingredients with precision. Different types of knives, such as chef's knives and paring knives, are used for various cutting tasks in the kitchen.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients. It helps protect countertops and keeps the knife sharp while working with different foods.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients such as rice, plum sauce, soy sauce, and corn syrup, ensuring the right balance of flavors in the dish.
Small bowl: A small bowl is useful for mixing and combining sauces, marinades, and dressings before adding them to the main dish. It's also handy for preparing spice blends and seasoning mixtures.
Spatula: A spatula is a versatile kitchen tool for flipping, stirring, and serving food. It's particularly useful for gently turning the chicken in the skillet and mixing ingredients without damaging their texture.
Tongs: Tongs are essential for handling and turning the chicken breasts in the skillet, as well as for serving and plating the finished dish. They provide a secure grip and prevent the chicken from tearing.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Plum and Ginger Chicken
- Allow the plum and ginger chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the dish, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- The frozen plum and ginger chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Add a little water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the thawed chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- It is not recommended to freeze the cooked rice, as it may become mushy upon thawing and reheating. It is best to prepare fresh rice when serving the reheated plum and ginger chicken.
How To Reheat Leftover Plum and Ginger Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover plum and ginger chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to stir the chicken halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your leftover plum and ginger chicken, you can reheat it in a skillet. Heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a more flavorful option, you can reheat the chicken in a wok or large skillet with some additional plum sauce and ginger. Heat a small amount of oil in the wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Add a splash of plum sauce and a pinch of ginger, and stir-fry for an additional minute to coat the chicken in the sauce.
If you have leftover rice to serve with your plum and ginger chicken, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. For the stovetop, place the rice in a saucepan with a small amount of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and the water has evaporated.
The Surprising Origin of Plum and Ginger Chicken
Plum and ginger chicken is a delicious fusion dish that combines the sweetness of plum sauce with the spiciness of ginger. This unique combination creates a flavorful and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Plum sauce, a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Additionally, ginger not only adds a zesty kick but also offers numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This dish is a great way to introduce new flavors to your palate and enjoy a balanced, nutritious meal.
Budget-Friendly: Making Plum and Ginger Chicken at Home
This plum and ginger chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken, plum sauce, and vegetables, are reasonably priced and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a flavorful and wholesome dinner.
Is This Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The plum and ginger chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like chicken breast, fresh ginger, snow peas, and mushrooms. These provide lean protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as corn syrup and a significant amount of plum sauce, which likely contains added sugars. The use of cornstarch for coating the chicken may also increase the calorie and carbohydrate content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the corn syrup with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or simply omit it altogether
- Reduce the amount of plum sauce used, or opt for a low-sugar variety
- Instead of coating the chicken in cornstarch, try grilling, baking, or stir-frying the chicken without the added coating
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding bell peppers, onions, or carrots, to boost the nutrient content and fiber
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the meal
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the accompanying grain
Editor's Opinion: A Flavorful and Unique Chicken Dish
This plum and ginger chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of plum sauce, ginger, and soy sauce creates a rich and aromatic glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The addition of snow peas and mushrooms adds a refreshing crunch and earthy undertones. However, I would recommend reducing the amount of corn syrup for a healthier option. Overall, this dish is a wonderful balance of textures and tastes, making it a delightful addition to any dinner table.
Enhance Your Plum and Ginger Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas for a Complete Meal
Why trust this Plum and Ginger Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the succulent tenderness of chicken breast with the sweet tang of plum sauce and the subtle heat of fresh ginger root. The addition of snow peas and fresh mushrooms infuses the dish with a burst of freshness and texture. The meticulous blending of soy sauce, garlic, and corn syrup creates a luscious glaze that envelops the chicken, ensuring a harmonious symphony of tastes. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a memorable dining experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
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