If you like the jumble of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavours that epitomizes Thai cuisine, you’re going to be absolutely smitten with this Burmese influenced stir-fry that is reminiscent of laab—a herby minced meat. Cutting the chicken by hand results in a better texture than using ground chicken. Serve with brown rice and even some lettuce leaves for scooping up the mat.
Tip
You can turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the fish sauce and finely dicing up a block of drained firm tofu and then stir-frying the tofu pieces in place of the chicken.
Burmese-style Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) skinless, boneless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tsp (10 mL) fish sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar
- 2 red Thai chilies, sliced or 1/2 tsp (2 mL) crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed oil, divided
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) thinly sliced shallots
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp (15 mL) minced ginger
- 3/4 cup (180 mL) canned no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup (80 mL) chopped mint
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories288
- protein25g
- fat17g
- saturated fat4g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates8g
- sugars2g
- fibre1g
- sodium598mg
Directions
01
To mince chicken, with cutting board on counter, smooth side facing up, run a large knife blade parallel to the cutting board to slice each chicken breast in half width-wise, opening each up into two thinner, even pieces. Slice chicken against the grain into thin strips, then chop finely. Run knife over the meat until evenly minced.
02
In small bowl, mix together soy sauce or tamari, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and sliced chilies.
03
Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil and swirl to coat pan. Place minced chicken in pan and heat until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes. If liquid begins to accumulate in bottom of pan, carefully drain and continue cooking. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
04
Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 Tbsp (15 mL) oil to pan. Place shallot in pan and heat until a shade or two darker than golden, about 6 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and ginger; heat 1 minute. Add tomatoes and heat 1 minute. Stir in chicken and soy sauce (or tamari) mixture and heat through. Stir in cilantro and mint.
Matthew Kadey, MSc, RD
Matthew Kadey is a dietitian, nutrition writer, and recipe developer. He is also the author of Rocket Fuel (VeloPress, 2016) and Muffin Tin Chef (Ulysses Press, 2012).
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Strawberry Carpaccio
This simple dessert celebrates the glory that is the summer strawberry. Don’t feel you have to stick to strawberries here; swapping them for ripe peaches would also make for a stunning ending to any meal. What to gild the lily with? Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flower power Orange blossom water (also known as orange flower water) is produced by water distillation of the blossoms of a bitter orange tree. Just like rose water, a little goes a long way. So, take care and use just a drop or two, tasting as you go so as not to overwhelm but rather to complement the other flavours in a dish.
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.