Timorese Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry
Ayam Goreng Sayur
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken pieces and a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce with hints of ginger and garlic. This dish is a quick and healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner, showcasing the fresh produce and simple yet delicious cooking style of Timor-Leste.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken breast or thigh, boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger, grated
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned
- 1 medium Bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 2 cups Bok choy, chopped
- 0.25 cup Water or chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 Red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
๐ก Tip: Marinating the chicken ensures it is tender and flavorful. - 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the wok is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear. - 3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
๐ก Tip: Don't let the garlic burn; it can become bitter. - 4
Add the broccoli florets and julienned carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
๐ก Tip: Adding harder vegetables first ensures they cook evenly with the other ingredients. - 5
Add the sliced bell pepper and chopped bok choy. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
๐ก Tip: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their vibrant color and crunch. - 6
Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the water or chicken broth. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
๐ก Tip: The cornstarch in the marinade will help thicken the sauce. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If using, add the sliced red chili for a touch of heat.
๐ก Tip: Add chili at the end to control the level of spiciness. - 8
Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice.
๐ก Tip: This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFeel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.
- โFor a spicier version, add more chili or a dash of hot sauce.
- โIf you don't have cornstarch, you can omit it, but the sauce will be thinner.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce or fish sauce for an extra layer of umami.
- Use different types of noodles instead of rice for a complete meal.