Enhanced Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients

Chicken breast

1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces

Bell peppers

2 cups, sliced (mixed colors for visual appeal)

Onion

1 medium, sliced

Pineapple chunks

1 cup, fresh or canned

Garlic

2 cloves, minced

Ginger

1 tablespoon, minced

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

Cornstarch

1 tablespoon

Brown sugar

1/4 cup

Rice vinegar

1/4 cup

Ketchup

1/3 cup

Soy sauce

1/3 cup

Sesame seeds

2 tablespoons, for garnish

Green onions

2, sliced, for garnish

Salt

to taste

Pepper

to taste

Cooked rice

4 cups, to serve

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and dissolved cornstarch until smooth. Set this flavorful sweet and sour sauce aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, pineapple chunks, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and fragrant.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and beautifully cling to the chicken and vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
8. Serve the sweet and sour chicken stir fry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and burst of flavor.
10. Enjoy your colorful and delicious meal!