No need for a wok here. You can use a flat-bottomed skillet or sauté pan instead, the bigger the better. You want as much surface area as possible to get as hot as possible, so preheat the pan for at least five minutes before adding the oil. There should be a forbidding amount of smoke when the ingredients hit the pan (open the windows and turn on the fan before you start). That will give you the deepest sear. Stir-fries are infinitely variable, and you can change up this recipe by using beef or pork, and other green vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, mustard greens, cabbage, spinach or thinly sliced green beans) substitute nicely for the bok choy. Make a version of this dish once or twice and you’ll have a reliable and delicious alternative to takeout.
Ingredients
- 2tablespoons soy sauce
- 2tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 ½tablespoons sesame oil
- 2teaspoons light brown sugar
- ¾pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 2tablespoons finely chopped gingerroot
- 2cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
- ½pound bok choy (1 head), trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2leeks (1/2 pound), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- Pinch chile flakes
- Salt, as needed
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Nutritional Information
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)
767 calories; 59 grams fat; 12 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 25 grams monounsaturated fat; 17 grams polyunsaturated fat; 26 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 33 grams protein; 166 milligrams cholesterol; 1116 milligrams sodium
Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
Serves 2 to 3
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour half the mixture over the chicken, along with half the ginger and half the garlic. Let stand 20 minutes.
- Heat a large, 12-inch skillet over high heat until extremely hot, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon peanut oil and the chicken. Cook, stirring constantly, until meat is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining peanut oil to the skillet. Add the bok choy and cook 1 minute. Stir in the leeks and chili flakes; cook, tossing frequently until bok choy and leeks are tender, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinade and a pinch of salt. Move vegetable mixture to the border of the pan. Add remaining ginger and garlic to center of pan and cook, mashing lightly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Return chicken to skillet and combine with ginger, garlic, and vegetables. Serve immediately, over rice.
30 minutes
Dining and Cooking