Quick Stir-Fried Chicken with Ginger and Scallions

When you need dinner on the table in under 20 minutes, this vibrant stir-fry delivers bold, aromatic flavors that feel far more impressive than the effort required. Tender chicken, bright ginger, and fresh scallions come together in a glossy soy-based sauce that makes rice sing.

Ingredients:

• 1.2 kg chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 cm ginger, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 scallions, cut into 3 cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Method:

1. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until smoking.
3. Add chicken in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per batch until golden. Transfer to a plate.
4. Add remaining oil, then stir-fry ginger and garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return chicken to the wok, pour in the sauce, and toss well.
6. Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
7. Fold in scallions and cook 1 minute more. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Chef's tip: Slice your chicken against the grain and have everything prepped before you start cooking—stir-fries move fast, and this is where mise en place truly saves you.