Chicken & Rice (Asian) - Master Cookbook Recipe # 515
This Asian-inspired Chicken & Rice is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of a classic stir-fry into your own kitchen. By using cold, day-old rice and a hot wok, you achieve that perfect "fried rice" texture that doesn't get mushy. The combination of fresh ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of sherry creates a fragrant, savory sauce that coats every thin strip of tender chicken. It’s a quick, high-heat meal that’s better than takeout!
This is recipe #515 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chicken (cut into thin strips)
- 2 cups Cooked white rice (must be cold)
- 4 Scallions/green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 Large carrot (grated thin)
- 2 tsp Fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 2 Tbsp Sherry
- 4 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Granulated sugar
- 4 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: For the best results, use rice that was prepared the day before and kept in the refrigerator. Cold rice is the secret to good fried rice!
- Prep the Chicken: In a small bowl, toss your thin chicken strips with the salt and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside for a few minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat your wok (or a large heavy skillet) over high heat. Add the olive oil and sesame oil. Once hot, toss in the grated carrots, ginger, and green onions. Sauté for about 1 minute.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the wok and sauté for 2 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Flavor Base: Stir in the sherry, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix everything well so the chicken and veggies are fully glazed. Remove the mixture from the wok and set it aside.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the hot wok. Cook on high heat, tossing constantly until the rice is hot and slightly toasted.
- Combine and Steam: Add the chicken and vegetable mixture back into the wok with the rice. Toss everything together, then cover with a lid and let it sit for 10 minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Notes
Tammy’s Tips: Don't skip the cornstarch on the chicken,it’s a classic technique that keeps the meat incredibly tender and helps the sauce stick to it perfectly! While the sesame oil is optional, I highly recommend it for that authentic, nutty aroma that makes this dish special. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice from the night before!