Description
Sizzling Hawaiian-inspired pineapple chicken stir-fry brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with zesty, caramelized goodness. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance with sweet-tangy pineapple chunks, creating a quick meal that transports you to island paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (45 ml)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (30 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
- Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for a crispy exterior when cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add seasoned chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces in a single layer to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
- Stir-fry chicken for 4-5 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure uniform cooking.
- Incorporate sliced bell peppers into the wok, stirring quickly to maintain their crisp texture and bright color.
- Pour prepared sauce over chicken and peppers, allowing it to simmer and caramelize for 1-2 minutes.
- Gently fold in fresh pineapple chunks, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm the fruit without breaking its structure.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cornstarch Coating Trick: Use a light, even layer of cornstarch to create an irresistibly crispy chicken exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
- Wok Temperature Mastery: Ensure your cooking surface is hot enough to achieve quick searing, preventing chicken from becoming soggy and maintaining a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Pineapple Precision: Add fresh pineapple chunks at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and prevent them from becoming mushy or losing their natural sweetness.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option, or replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg