Lunch: Jasmine Rice, Chicken and Almond Stir-Fry

Recipe By: Marcia Kiesel

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Chicken Breast, Lemon

Health benefits of Jasmine Rice, Chicken and Almond Stir-Fry

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1 large egg white
1 tbsp. cornstarch
3 tbsp. dry sherry
kosher salt
1 lb. skinless boneless chicken breasts
1 1/4 c. jasmine rice (1/2 pound)
1/2 c. sliced blanched almonds (2 ounces)
20 fresh or frozen Asian thin rice cakes (see Note)
1/4 c. vegetable oil
4 oz. small white mushrooms
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 medium white onion
2 large garlic cloves
1 1/2 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
freshly ground white pepper
4 oz. daikon radish
1/2 c. unsweetened coconut milk
Asian sesame oil

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Whisk in the cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of the sherry and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 °F. In a medium saucepan, cover the jasmine rice with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan and cook over low heat for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet; spread it out in an even layer. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Spread the sliced almonds in a pie pan and bake for about 4 minutes, or until pale golden. Let cool.
In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the rice cakes until tender but still chewy, about 7 minutes. Drain and spread them out on a large plate. Add 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of oil to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the chicken and simmer over low heat, stirring once or twice, until the outside turns white, about 25 seconds; drain. In a bowl, mix the mushrooms with the lemon juice.
In a wok, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until translucent, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook over moderately high heat until softened, 3 minutes. Add the chicken and rice cakes, season with salt and pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sherry and simmer for 10 seconds. Add the rice and heat through. Add the almonds and daikon and toss again. Stir in the coconut milk. Off the heat, season with salt and pepper and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve at once.
Notes: Korean rice cakes are available at many Asian markets. Although they're most often sold frozen, you can sometimes find bags of fresh rice cakes in the refrigerated section.
Wine Recommendation: Pour a spicy American Gewürztraminer with this stir-fry and it will be clear why sommeliers so often suggest this grape with Asian cuisines. One of the best regions for Gewürtz in the United States is Monterey, California, from which the Thomas Fogarty Winery produces a full-bodied 2004, with an enticing aroma of lychee and spice.