This dish is all about big, bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a spicy, savory black pepper sauce makes this stir-fry a standout. It’s not just better than takeout—it’s a complete winner for a fast, weeknight meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
Here’s the recipe, step-by-step, with detailed instructions to ensure you get a perfect stir-fry every time.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 200g (about 7 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for added crunch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or any high-heat oil (canola, grapeseed)
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to help deglaze and steam)
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or substitute with balsamic vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances the savory)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper (to taste, adjust for your preferred heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added fragrance)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Additional ground black pepper, for serving
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken with the soy sauce, rice wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch. Toss the chicken to coat evenly, and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and create a silky texture when cooked.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In another small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, black vinegar, water, sugar, and ground black pepper. Adjust the pepper to your preferred level of spice. Set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it sear without stirring for 1-2 minutes to get some color. Once the chicken starts to brown, stir-fry it for another 3-4 minutes until it’s nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil (if needed) and heat over medium-high. Add the sliced onions, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and brown. You may need to add a splash of water to prevent burning and to help the mushrooms release their moisture.
5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:
- Add the chicken back into the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and give everything a good stir. Let the sauce bubble and thicken, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should become glossy and coat all the ingredients.
6. Final Touch:
- If you like your stir-fry extra peppery, you can sprinkle more freshly ground black pepper at this stage. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for added fragrance, if using.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a bit more heat, add extra black pepper; for more umami, adjust with a touch more soy sauce.
7. Serve:
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own. Garnish with chopped green onions and an additional sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is key for this dish. It adds a warmth and boldness that makes the stir-fry stand out. You can adjust the amount based on your tolerance for spice.
- Mushrooms: Use any type of mushroom you like, but cremini or shiitake work particularly well for their earthy flavor. If you prefer a meatier bite, you can add a handful of sliced bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for crunch.
- Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, but breast meat keeps things lean.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores well for 2-3 days in the fridge, making it a great option for leftovers.
Why This Stir-Fry is Better Than Takeout:
- Freshness: No artificial ingredients or preservatives—everything is fresh and made from scratch.
- Customizable: Adjust the level of spice, sweetness, and savoriness to your exact taste.
- Fast & Simple: Ready in under 20 minutes with just a few steps, but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy & Balanced: Unlike takeout, you control the oil and seasoning, ensuring a lighter, healthier dish without compromising flavor.
