The combination of crispy fried chicken and juicy mango chunks in a sweet and spicy sauce is pure culinary harmony. This Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry blends vibrant colors and bold flavors, making it a delightful dish to serve any day of the week. Perfect for summer, this recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes balanced by the tangy kick of chili and soy-based sauces. Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Add a sprinkle of green onions for the perfect finishing touch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For Frying The Chicken:
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs (500 g)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Neutral-flavored oil for frying
For The Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup bell peppers, cubed
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons red chili paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed
- Chopped spring onion greens for garnish
Directions:
- Wash and pat dry the chicken, then cut it into small bite-sized cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ginger garlic paste, salt, and black pepper powder. Toss the chicken in this mixture until well coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Fry half the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add chopped garlic and green chilies, frying for 3-4 seconds.
- Add onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for a minute.
- Incorporate soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, red chili paste, ketchup, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water. Add it to the wok and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add fried chicken and mango cubes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 431 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Exploring Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry
Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a culinary delight that masterfully combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the savory and spicy flavors of traditional Chinese stir-fry. This dish is a perfect representation of how simple ingredients can be elevated into a vibrant and flavorful meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish is an excellent addition to your repertoire.
The Charm of Mango in Savory Dishes
Mango, often celebrated for its use in desserts, brings an entirely different dynamic to savory recipes like this one. The natural sweetness and juiciness of mangoes complement the umami flavors of soy sauce, the tang of rice vinegar, and the subtle heat of chili paste. It creates a perfect balance of flavors, making this dish an exciting option for those who love the interplay of sweet and spicy in their meals.
Ripe mangoes also contribute to the dish’s visual appeal. Their vibrant orange hue pops against the backdrop of stir-fried vegetables and crispy chicken, making it as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Additionally, mango is rich in vitamins A and C, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a standout for several reasons. First, it is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner gatherings. With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, the recipe is highly versatile. While the core ingredients are chicken and mango, you can customize it based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can easily be added or substituted, providing an opportunity to tailor the dish to your taste or dietary needs.
Third, the dish is an excellent way to introduce bold flavors to your family or guests without overwhelming their palates. The sweet and spicy sauce, combined with the crunch of stir-fried vegetables and the tender juiciness of chicken, creates a harmony of textures and tastes that appeals to a wide audience.
Perfect for Seasonal Cooking
This dish shines brightest in the summer months when mangoes are at their peak. Using ripe, fresh mangoes elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish, as their sweetness balances the other bold components beautifully. That said, the recipe can also be enjoyed year-round by using frozen mango chunks, ensuring that this tropical delight isn’t limited to mango season.
A Great Dish for Meal Prep
Another advantage of Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry is its compatibility with meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat everything together, add fresh mangoes, and garnish with spring onions. This makes it an excellent choice for those who like to plan their meals for the week or need quick and satisfying options for work lunches.
Serving Suggestions
Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic approach, serve it over a bed of steamed white jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, ensuring that every bite is bursting with taste.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, quinoa or cauliflower rice works equally well. Stir-fried noodles are another fantastic option for a heartier meal. For a lighter twist, you can serve the stir fry as a filling for lettuce wraps, adding a refreshing crunch to each bite.
The Appeal of Asian Fusion Cuisine
Fusion cuisine, which blends flavors and techniques from different culinary traditions, has grown in popularity over the years. Dishes like Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry highlight the versatility of such fusion recipes. This dish borrows elements from Chinese stir-fry techniques, incorporates tropical fruits often seen in Southeast Asian cooking, and adapts to Western palates with its approachable flavor profile.
The result is a dish that feels both familiar and exotic, making it an excellent choice for home cooks looking to experiment with new flavors without venturing too far from their comfort zones.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:
- Choose Ripe Mangoes: Look for mangoes that are firm but slightly soft to the touch, with a sweet aroma. Avoid overripe mangoes, as they can become too mushy when added to the dish.
- Crisp Up the Chicken: For maximum crispiness, consider double-frying the chicken. This technique involves frying the chicken twice first to cook it through and a second time to achieve an extra-crunchy texture.
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and red chili paste based on your heat tolerance. This allows you to make the dish as mild or as spicy as you like.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The vegetables should retain a slight crunch to provide a contrast to the soft mangoes and crispy chicken. Stir-fry them quickly over high heat for the best results.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the chicken’s crispiness can diminish over time, and the mangoes may lose their texture if left to sit for too long.
Conclusion:
Asian Mango Chicken Stir Fry is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, colors, and textures that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply indulging in a solo culinary adventure, this dish delivers satisfaction on every level.
Its quick preparation, versatility, and vibrant taste make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to explore Asian-inspired flavors. Plus, its ability to highlight the unique sweetness of mangoes in a savory dish ensures it leaves a lasting impression.