Khmer-Style Stir-Fried Chicken and Ginger
A surprising use of ginger gives this chicken beautiful, floral sweetness to balance loads of umami.
- Makes4 to 6 servings
- Cook Time35 minutes
- 3
This is our rendition of the Khmer stir-fry known as mouan cha k’nyei (English spellings vary) in which fresh ginger figures as prominently as the chicken. Cut into matchsticks and stir-fried until it begins to brown, the ginger mellows, and its raw, sharp sting gives way to a subtle pepperiness and sweet, floral notes. A combination of fish sauce and oyster sauce lends the dish loads of umami, while a little sugar balances the saltiness with sweetness. Ginger prep is the most difficult aspect of this simple stir-fry; the easiest method is to thinly slice the peeled root crosswise into coins (cutting against the grain this way minimizes the fibrousness), then stack a few slices and cut the pile into matchsticks. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Don’t worry if the pieces of ginger aren’t perfectly even in size or shape. But to help ensure they cook through properly, do try to cut the matchsticks no thicker than about ⅛ inch.
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