Panda Express String Bean Chicken Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Alternative

In the world of American-Chinese cuisine, Panda Express is a household name known for its delectable dishes. One such dish that has captured the taste buds of many is the Panda Express String Bean Chicken. If you’re a fan of this dish and would like to recreate it at home, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make Panda Express String Bean Chicken right in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
3. Preparing Your Ingredients
4. Cooking the Chicken
5. Stir-Frying the String Beans
6. Creating the Flavorful Sauce
7. Bringing It All Together
8. Serving Your Homemade String Bean Chicken
9. Tips and Tricks for Success
10. Customizing Your Dish
11. Nutritional Information
12. Why Make It at Home?
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
14. Conclusion

Introduction

Panda Express String Bean Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with crisp string beans in a savory sauce. Making it at home not only allows you to enjoy the flavors you love but also gives you control over the quality of ingredients used.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound fresh string beans, washed and trimmed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• For the Marinade:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Preparing Your Ingredients

To ensure a smooth cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your ingredients beforehand. Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Cooking the Chicken

Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Frying the String Beans

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the fresh string beans and stir-fry for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly blistered.

Creating the Flavorful Sauce

While the string beans are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Mix well to dissolve the sugar completely.

Bringing It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the string beans. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and beans. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the ingredients evenly.

Serving Your Homemade String Bean Chicken

Your homemade Panda Express String Bean Chicken is ready to be served. It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Ensure that your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to achieve the desired stir-fry effect.
• Don’t overcook the string beans; they should remain crisp.
• Adjust the sauce’s sweetness and saltiness according to your preference.

Customizing Your Dish

Feel free to customize your String Bean Chicken by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms. You can also adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce.

Nutritional Information

• Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
  • Calories: 250 per serving
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g

Why Make It at Home?

While Panda Express is convenient, making String Bean Chicken at home allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and customize the dish to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s a fun and satisfying cooking project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen string beans for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use frozen string beans, but fresh ones are recommended for the best texture.

2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

• Hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce can be used as substitutes for oyster sauce.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check the labels of other sauces for gluten content.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them just before serving.

5. How spicy is this dish?

• This recipe is not particularly spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Creating your own Panda Express String Bean Chicken at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the flavors of this classic dish while putting your culinary skills to the test. Enjoy the delicious taste of this homemade meal, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Source: chefjar.com

Yield: 12 servings

Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins

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Ever wondered what happens when you combine the classic flavors of a Cuban sandwich with the crispy delight of potato skins? You get Cuban Sandwich Potato Skins! This fusion dish is perfect for parties, game days, or any time you crave something unique and delicious. Let's dive into how to make this mouthwatering treat that will have everyone asking for more.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 small to medium Russet potatoes rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and coarse black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 8 ounces leftover or store-bought pulled pork
• 8 ounces black forest deli ham sliced
• 1/2 cup bread and butter pickle chips
• Sauce:
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 large garlic clove grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder
• Kosher salt and coarse black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack and bake until fork tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.

• Slice the potatoes in half, lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh. You want to leave a thick layer inside so that the potatoes aren't flimsy and stand up to the fillings. You can save the potato insides for another recipe. Place the potato skins on a wire rack, set over a baking sheet and drizzle with oil. Season with a bit of salt and pepper and return to the oven and bake until golden brown and crispy, about 10 to 12 minutes.

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle the potatoes with half of the shredded cheese. Top each with pork, ham and pickles. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and return to the oven once more until warmed through and the cheese has melted, about 10 to 12 minutes longer.

• To make the sauce, in a medium bowl, combine the dijon mustard, yellow mustard, vinegar, garlic, honey, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Give it a taste and adjust accordingly, adding more salt, pepper or cayenne if needed. Serve alongside the warm potatoes for dipping. Enjoy!