Bring a burst of freshness to your dinner table with this Zesty Lemon Ginger Stir-Fry. It's a quick, vibrant dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Chicken breast is the protein hero here, providing a lean and tender base that soaks up all the wonderful flavors. Olive oil adds a touch of healthy fat and helps everything cook nicely. The real flavor punch comes from the fresh ginger and garlic, which create a fragrant base when sautéed. Red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas not only add color and crunch but also a dose of vitamins. The soy sauce brings in the umami depth, while lemon juice and zest give the dish its zesty kick. A hint of honey balances the acidity. Finally, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat, and green onions finish off the dish with a fresh pop.
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite rice noodles. For an extra zing, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for squeezing over just before eating.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken slices. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This is where the magic begins — the chicken absorbs the oil's richness, ensuring tender bites later.
Next, stir in the ginger and garlic. You'll know it's right when your kitchen is filled with their irresistible aroma. Give them a quick sauté until they release their fragrance — it should only take about 30 seconds to a minute.
Time to add some color! Toss in the red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes. You want them bright and slightly tender, yet still crisp — think vibrant and full of life.
While the veggies are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour this delightful concoction over your stir-fry, making sure everything gets a nice coating.
Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, just enough time for the flavors to meld and the vegetables to reach that perfect tender-crisp texture. Finally, sprinkle the green onions over the top and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately while it's hot.