Imagine a sizzling wok, aromatic garlic dancing in hot oil, and tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, savory black bean sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of China. This Chicken with Black Bean Sauce recipe is not just a meal—it's a quick, flavor-packed journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this dish promises to become your new go-to recipe for a delicious and satisfying dinner that will impress family and friends.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup black bean sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing chicken breast into thin, uniform strips. Ensure bell pepper and onion are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown.
- Add sliced chicken breast to the wok. Stir-fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes, ensuring it's cooked through and turns white with no pink remaining. Remove chicken and set aside on a clean plate.
- In the same wok, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return cooked chicken to the wok. Pour black bean sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and flavors to meld together. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The black bean sauce is typically salty, so additional salt might not be required.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, ensuring each serving has an equal mix of chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Cut chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to achieve that classic stir-fry sear and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
- Don't Overcrowd the Wok: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high temperature and allow ingredients to caramelize properly.
- Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: Use fresh garlic cloves for the most vibrant flavor, and be careful not to burn them.
- Quality Black Bean Sauce Matters: Choose a good quality fermented black bean sauce for authentic taste.
- Let the Sauce Coat: Take time in the final cooking stage to ensure the sauce thoroughly coats all ingredients.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fry dishes are best enjoyed hot, right out of the wok, over freshly steamed rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
