Ginger Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry is a colorful dish full of tasty chicken and crunchy asparagus, all brought together with a zesty ginger sauce. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
I love how this stir fry is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy and healthy. Plus, who doesn’t love a little crunch in their meal? 🥦✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is easy to cut and cooks quickly. You can substitute it with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option that soaks up the sauces beautifully.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch. If it’s out of season, you can use green beans or snap peas instead. They offer a similar texture and color.
Mushrooms: Button and shiitake mushrooms are great choices. If you’re allergic to mushrooms, you can skip them or use extra asparagus or bell peppers for more texture.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is standard, but tamari works perfectly for a gluten-free option. You can also try coconut aminos for a different flavor profile that’s low in sodium.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds delicious depth. If you don’t have it, use peanut oil or a light olive oil, though you’ll miss some of that nutty flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Without Overcooking Ingredients?
Stir-frying is all about speed and timing! Here’s how you can stay on track:
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Pre-chop and organize them in bowls. This way, you won’t rush while cooking.
- Use high heat with a good amount of oil in your skillet or wok. It helps to get that perfect sear.
- Cook in batches if you have a lot of ingredients. Overcrowding the pan can steam your food instead of frying it.
- Watch the color and texture. For vegetables, you want vibrant colors and a slight crunch, so don’t overdo it—they should be tender-crisp!
How to Make Ginger Chicken Asparagus Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Stir Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (such as button or shiitake)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. So, you can have a lovely meal ready in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner on busy nights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding other ingredients.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced ginger and garlic to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing and fragrant. This really adds great flavor to your dish!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, toss the chicken pieces into the skillet. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are see-through and the mushrooms are soft. This is where that delicious aroma really begins!
5. Add the Asparagus:
Now, it’s time to add the asparagus! Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and tender but still a little crunchy. We want them to retain some texture!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for another minute or two to heat it all through.
7. Adjust Seasonings:
Take a moment to taste your stir fry and adjust the seasonings if you need to. You can add a bit more soy sauce or salt to make it perfect.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your ginger chicken asparagus stir fry over warm cooked rice or noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle those sesame seeds on top for a nice finishing touch. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you want to make the dish vegetarian or just don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar as a substitute. This will add sweetness similar to what oyster sauce provides.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the dish seems dry, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or water when reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for different veggies. For example, add tender vegetables like spinach or snap peas towards the end of cooking to keep them vibrant and crisp!
