Frango Xadrez
Chicken Stir-fry
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
The Chicken Point
Frango Xadrez, meaning 'Chess Chicken' in Portuguese, is a Brazilian adaptation of Chinese stir-fry. It reflects the influence of Chinese immigration to Brazil, particularly in urban centers like São Paulo. The dish blends Chinese culinary techniques with Brazilian ingredients and preferences.
Frango Xadrez is a popular dish often enjoyed in family meals or at casual restaurants throughout Brazil. It is considered a fusion dish, representing the multicultural culinary landscape of the country.
Fusion Cuisine
Frango Xadrez exemplifies the fusion of Chinese stir-fry techniques with Brazilian ingredients. It showcases how global culinary influences can be adapted and integrated into local cuisine.
Family Meal
This dish is frequently prepared at home and shared among family members, reflecting its accessibility and appeal to a wide range of palates.
Restaurant Staple
Frango Xadrez is commonly found on menus in Brazilian restaurants, highlighting its mainstream popularity as a beloved and accessible dish.
Frango Xadrez features a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The chicken and vegetables are coated in a flavorful sauce that is both rich and slightly sweet, often balanced with soy sauce and vinegar.
The primary flavor profile is savory, derived from soy sauce and the chicken itself. Sweetness is usually introduced via pineapple, bell peppers, or sometimes a touch of honey or sugar. A tangy element is contributed by rice vinegar or occasionally lemon juice. Other common ingredients like ginger and garlic add aromatic depth. The peanuts provide a nutty and crunchy texture.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes (or longer) helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Vegetable Crispness
Cook the vegetables quickly over high heat to maintain their crispness. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust the amount of cornstarch in the sauce to achieve the desired thickness. A thicker sauce will cling to the chicken and vegetables, while a thinner sauce will be more fluid.
Peanut Addition
Add the peanuts towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming soggy. They should retain their crunch for the best textural contrast.
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