Oyster Sauce Chicken Stir Fry With Snow Pea Leaves

Oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves is a delicious, quick, and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy snow pea leaves, and a rich, savory oyster sauce. This dish is a perfect example of the wonderful flavors and textures that oyster sauce can add to Asian-inspired stir-fries. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a special occasion, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves is a perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, combining the umami richness of oyster sauce with the freshness of snow pea leaves and the tenderness of chicken.

This article will guide you through every aspect of making this dish, from the ingredients to the preparation steps, as well as offer tips for storage, reheating, and serving.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients

• How to make Chinese chicken stir fry in oyster sauce

• More ways to use oyster sauce

• How to make ahead, store, and reheat

• What to serve with Chicken in Oyster Sauce

• Expert tips

• FAQs

• Oyster sauce chicken stir fry recipe

Ingredients

The main ingredients for oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves include chicken, snow pea leaves, oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients for the recipe:

1. Chicken: Chicken breast or thigh meat is commonly used for stir-fries. It should be sliced into thin strips for quick cooking and better absorption of the sauce.

2. Snow Pea Leaves: These are young, tender shoots of the snow pea plant and are commonly used in Asian stir-fries. They add a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crisp texture.

3. Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory sauce is made from oyster extracts and is the star ingredient in this recipe. It adds deep umami flavor to the stir fry.

4. Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce complements the oyster sauce, enhancing the savory base of the dish.

5. Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are the aromatics that bring fragrance and heat to the stir fry.

6. Vegetables: Optional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions can be added to introduce more flavor and color.

7. Oil: Vegetable or sesame oil is used for stir-frying.

How to make Chinese chicken stir fry in oyster sauce

To make chicken stir fry in oyster sauce, first marinate the chicken, then stir-fry it with garlic, ginger, and vegetables, and finally, toss everything with oyster sauce.

Here are the steps:

1. Marinate the chicken: Start by marinating the chicken strips with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse some flavor.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. If using snow pea leaves, rinse them thoroughly, and if using other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, slice them into bite-sized pieces.

3. Stir-fry the chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

4. Stir-fry the aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and then sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add vegetables and oyster sauce: Add your vegetables, including the snow pea leaves, to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Then, return the chicken to the pan and pour in the oyster sauce, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly.

6. Finish cooking: Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken and vegetables. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

More ways to use oyster sauce

Oyster sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Here are some ideas for incorporating oyster sauce into your cooking:

1. Stir-fries: Use oyster sauce as the base for any stir-fry. It pairs perfectly with beef, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, and Chinese broccoli.

2. Noodles: Oyster sauce can be mixed into noodle dishes for added flavor. Try it in chow mein, lo mein, or in a simple noodle stir-fry.

3. Marinades: Combine oyster sauce with soy sauce, honey, and garlic to make a marinade for chicken, pork, or beef.

4. Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful of oyster sauce to soups and stews for an extra boost of flavor. It works especially well in broth-based Asian soups.

5. Dipping Sauce: Mix oyster sauce with a bit of vinegar, chili, and sugar for a flavorful dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.

How to make ahead, store, and reheat

This dish can be made ahead and stored for later use.

• Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and sauce components in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Store: To store leftovers, let the stir fry cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Reheat: To reheat, simply place the stir fry in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

What to serve with Chicken in Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce chicken stir fry pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Here are some options:

1. Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, white or jasmine rice is the perfect base for soaking up the savory oyster sauce.

2. Fried Rice: For a more flavorful side, serve your stir fry with fried rice, which can be made with leftover rice and some scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots.

3. Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles also make a great side for this dish, offering a different texture to complement the chicken and vegetables.

4. Vegetables: Serve with a side of sautéed or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, or Chinese eggplant for added nutrition.

Expert tips

For the best results when making oyster sauce chicken stir fry, follow these expert tips:

1. Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough. Stir-fry it just until it’s cooked through and tender.

2. Use fresh oyster sauce: If possible, opt for fresh, high-quality oyster sauce, as this will have a deeper, more authentic flavor.

3. Maintain high heat: Stir-frying is all about high heat. Make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the chicken or vegetables to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

4. Add a splash of water: If the stir fry seems too dry, add a splash of water or broth to help create a nice sauce that coats everything.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves:

1. Can I use frozen snow pea leaves?

• While fresh snow pea leaves are ideal, frozen ones can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them properly before using them in your stir fry.

2. Can I use other types of sauce in place of oyster sauce?

• If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use mushroom-based oyster sauce as a substitute. Soy sauce or hoisin sauce can also work as alternatives, though the flavor may be different.

3. Is oyster sauce chicken stir fry spicy?

• Typically, this dish isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by including chili peppers or a splash of chili sauce if you prefer.

Oyster sauce chicken stir fry recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves:

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

• 2 cups snow pea leaves, rinsed

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 carrot, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper for 15 minutes.

2. Heat the oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until golden brown, then set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.

4. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

5. Return the chicken to the pan, add the oyster sauce, and stir to combine.

6. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

7. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Oyster sauce chicken stir fry with snow pea leaves is a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and versatile. With this recipe and the tips provided, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Enjoy!