Spicy Malawian Stir-Fried Chicken

Ingredients

While the original Gochujang bokkeum is a Korean dish, this Spicy Malawian Stir-Fried Chicken recipe has been adapted to suit the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Malawian cuisine. The original dish typically uses Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and other Korean seasonings. In this Malawian adaptation, we have replaced the Korean chili paste with a homemade spicy sauce that incorporates local Malawian spices and ingredients. This modification infuses the dish with the unique flavors of Malawi while still maintaining the essence of the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Gochujang bokkeum, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (or substitute with local chili paste) 2 tablespoons gochujang (or substitute with local chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup cabbage, shredded 1 cup cabbage, shredded
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, ginger paste, and garlic paste to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
6. 6.
   In the same pan, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, carrot, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
7. 7.
   Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir-fry with the vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. 8.
   Season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Gochujang (or local chili paste) — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to achieve the desired level of heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang or substitute it with a milder chili paste.
• Serve the Spicy Malawian Stir-Fried Chicken with steamed rice or Malawian nsima for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different protein options such as beef, shrimp, or tofu for variation.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Malawian Stir-Fried Chicken hot as a main course. Pair it with steamed rice or Malawian nsima for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant Malawian-inspired bowl or plate to enhance the visual appeal.