Sambal-Lime Chicken & Zucchini Stir-Fry

Juicy chicken, charred summer vegetables, fragrant Thai basil, and a glossy sambal-lime sauce make this vibrant rice bowl irresistible.

Ingredients

  • Mary's ABF Ground Chicken Breast, 16 OZ
    1 pound $7.10
  • Organic Zucchini Squash
    12 ounces $2.77
  • Organic Red Bell Pepper
    1 medium $4.77
  • Organic Jasmine Thai White Rice
    3/4 cup $4.19
  • Organic Thai Basil
    1/2 cup loosely packed leaves $2.99
  • Organic Shallots
    1 large $4.99
  • Organic Garlic
    2 cloves $2.69
  • Lime
    1 $0.69
  • Water
    1 cup
  • Neutral cooking oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Fish sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Low-sodium soy sauce
    2 teaspoons
  • Sambal oelek
    1 tablespoon
  • Brown sugar
    2 teaspoons
  • Kosher salt
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground black pepper
    1/4 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Slice 12 ounces zucchini into half-moons, thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper and 1 large shallot, mince 2 garlic cloves, and tear 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves. Zest and juice 1 lime, reserving both for the sauce.
  2. Combine 3/4 cup jasmine rice, 1 cup water, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes; remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sambal oelek, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, and the prepared zest and juice from 1 lime in a small bowl.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry 12 ounces sliced zucchini, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt for 4–5 minutes, until crisp-tender and lightly browned; transfer the vegetables to a plate.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil and 1 sliced shallot to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 pound ground chicken, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; stir-fry for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the chicken, until it reaches 165°F.
  6. Return the cooked zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until glossy. Fold in 1/2 cup torn Thai basil leaves and remove from the heat.
  7. Fluff the cooked jasmine rice, divide it between 2 bowls, and top with the Malaysian-style chicken and zucchini stir-fry.

Total time: 35 minutes

Estimated cost: $18–$22

Health notes: About 690 calories per serving, with roughly 47 grams of protein and a generous portion of vegetables.

Drink pairing: A chilled off-dry Riesling cools the sambal heat and complements the fragrant lime and basil.