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If you are craving a vibrant and fresh meal that beautifully balances sweet and savory, the Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is the perfect choice. This dish bursts with juicy mango pieces, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables all coated in a luscious sauce that sings with hints of ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. It’s not just a stir fry; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures in every bite that will have you coming back to the kitchen for more, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from bringing vibrant color and crunch to imparting that unforgettable sweet-savory flavor profile that makes this dish so delightful. They’re simple but essential, designed to come together quickly and deliver maximum taste.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, lean protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: Adds juicy sweetness and a fresh tropical twist to perfectly balance the savory elements.
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced: Contributes a crunchy texture and bright, appealing colors.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sharpness that caramelizes slightly for depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic base note.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty kick for authentic Chinese flair.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers umami richness without overpowering the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Used for cooking, it imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the stir fry.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce seamlessly.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Perfect for bright, fresh garnish that adds a mild onion flavor.
- ½ cup fresh mango juice: Boosts mango flavor and creates a luscious sauce base.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity that balances sweetness and enriches the sauce.
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Adds a natural sweetener to harmonize flavors perfectly.
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle heat for those who love a little spice kick.
How to Make Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then toss them in cornstarch and soy sauce. This simple marinade not only flavors the chicken but also ensures it stays tender and juicy during cooking. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the cornstarch helps create that silky texture everyone loves in a stir fry.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics in Sesame Oil
Heat sesame oil in your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, stirring until they release a fragrant aroma. This step is essential because these aromatics form the flavor foundation of the entire dish, warming your senses and setting the stage for everything else.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add your marinated chicken to the wok in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes on each side until each piece turns golden brown. This sear locks in juices and gives the chicken an appealing texture, making every bite satisfyingly tender with a slight crisp exterior.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Throw in the sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring constantly to mix them with the chicken. Cook them until they’re tender-crisp, which means they maintain a lovely bite and vibrant color — exactly what makes stir fry so irresistibly fresh and dynamic.
Step 5: Prepare the Mango Sauce
While the vegetables cook, whisk together fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like that little extra heat. Pour this glorious sauce over the stir fry and let it simmer for about a minute. This moment is where all the flavors marry and deepen beautifully.
Step 6: Fold in Fresh Mango
Finally, gently mix in the diced mango and warm everything through for another 1 to 2 minutes. This ensures the mango softens ever so slightly but retains enough texture to provide a juicy burst in every bite. It’s the magical hint of sweetness that makes this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your vibrant stir fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles, and don’t forget to sprinkle chopped green onions on top for that fresh, mildly pungent finish that ties everything together.
How to Serve Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions on the top is a must; their fresh, mild onion flavor brightens the entire dish. You might also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to add a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil used during cooking beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when paired with fluffy jasmine rice or even simple egg noodles. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside steamed bok choy or a crunchy Asian cucumber salad to enhance the fresh, crisp elements and balance the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in lettuce cups as a handheld appetizer or wrap it in warm tortillas with a drizzle of spicy mayo for a fusion-style wrap. Presenting it in colorful bowls with contrasting garnishes makes the meal visually stunning and even more inviting to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored this way, your stir fry will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this recipe to preserve the texture of the mango and vegetables, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce portion separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the diced mango or fresh vegetables as they tend to lose their texture when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. Add a splash of water or a little extra mango juice if the sauce dries out. If using the frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the dish as flavorful as possible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?
While fresh mango offers the best texture and sweetness, frozen mango chunks can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to avoid watering down the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth if adding any liquids. The mango sauce and vegetables still create a delicious, balanced stir fry experience.
How spicy is this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
The spice level is mild by default, with cayenne pepper being optional. You can easily adjust heat by adding more cayenne or even a dash of chili flakes to suit your taste.
What type of rice pairs best with this stir fry?
Jasmine rice is a fantastic choice due to its fragrance and soft texture, which complements the brisk flavors of the stir fry without overpowering them.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and dice the mango a few hours beforehand, and marinate the chicken up to one day in advance, which helps speed up your cooking when you’re ready to stir fry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about the bright colors, the sweet and savory dance of flavors, and the ease of throwing together this Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Whether you’re new to cooking stir fries or a seasoned pro, this dish feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I highly encourage you to give it a try, invite some friends over, and watch this become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chinese Style Mango Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated and stir-fried with fresh mango, colorful bell peppers, and a tangy mango-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, served over rice or noodles and garnished with fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ½ cup fresh mango juice
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with cornstarch and low-sodium soy sauce. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize the meat and develop flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant to build a flavorful base for the stir fry.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer to the hot wok. Cook about 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining a pleasant crunch and vibrant color.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh mango juice, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if using. Pour this sauce over the stir fry and simmer for one minute to meld flavors.
- Incorporate Mango: Gently fold in the diced ripe mango and warm through for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the mango to soften slightly without losing its shape.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the mango chicken stir fry immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add fresh chili flakes.
- Use fresh mango juice for the best flavor, or substitute with canned mango nectar if fresh is unavailable.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles to complete the meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
