Okay, this isn't the "stir fry" we think of with a Wok and sesame oil. This is an Amish-style stir-fry and that means, basically, just a skillet, meat, and veggies, a typical one-pan meal in many ways. So let's look at the Amish and stir-fry.
🥢 The Amish Meets Chinese Food
Okay, you won't find many Amish lined up at Panda Express or reaching for chopsticks. General Tso's Chicken and sweet and sour pork just are from a different culinary tradition than the Amish. However, there is some evidence that stir-fry is becoming more popular among the Amish. For example, there are a few Amish cookbooks that include recipes for stir-fry. And, some Amish restaurants have even started to offer stir-fry on their menus. So, while it is not a traditional Amish dish, stir-fry is becoming more popular among some Amish communities.
Whether or not the Amish eat stir-fry really depends on the individual community and family. Some Amish communities may be more open to trying new foods than others. And, even within a community, there will be individual families who are more or less likely to eat stir-fry. Ultimately, it is up to each Amish family to decide what they want to eat. I can tell you that I have never seen a wok in an Amish kitchen. But that is something where once something catches on with one person, it can spread like wildlife. So maybe someday.
📋 Step-by-Step Amish Stir-Fry
This is an easy, easy meal. But delicious!
We cooked the chicken strips first in the skillet by themselves and then added ingredients: cornstarch, brown sugar, and the rest of the ones listed below.
This is where you can get creative, my parents made this and added frozen "Asian vegetable" mix with little baby corns, etc, but you can follow the recipe below or do as my parents did and go off script.
The brown sugar adds a sweet, caramelization to the mix. This dish actually incorporates some spice, which usually is not in the Amish culinary tradition (and my parents don't like too much spice, so I think they cut back on the ginger and chili powder) there is not much in the way of seasonings or spices in this. There is ginger and chili powder, but you can add more of your favorite seasonings at this step if you want: garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper are all super additions.
This is pretty much an all-in-one meal. You don't need anything else to go with it. My parents had some applesauce on the side. But this is a pretty complete meal as is!
🍳Other Amish Skillet Suppers
Skillet Spaghetti - Delicious!
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie - Wow!
Poor Man's Stovetop Casserole - A classic
Skillet Sausage Supper - So good!
🖨️ Full Recipe
Amish Chicken Skillet Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 /2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 /2 cup water
- 1 /4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound chicken strips
- 2 cups cauliflower
- 2 cups broccoli
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 cup mushrooms
Instructions
- Cook chicken over medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, mix first eight ingredients together and set aside.
- Stir meat, vegetables, and oil in a large skillet or wok on high heat.
- Add 1 /2 cup water to skillet and steam for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. rred.
- Add sauce mixture and stir until thickened. Optional: steak strips can be used instead of steak if preferred.
Teresa
I would love a recipe for Swiss Roll Bars that Lovina mentions in her post. Is there one previously posted that you could direct me to? Thanks.
Kevin
Teresa, we will making some and posting the recipe and photos next week!
brenda
Wow for Verena. She will arrive home with a tan after that much time there. this stir fry recipe sounds great and I will be using chicken as suggested.
also want to let you know one of your most dedicated followers my father has gone Home to be with our Lord and Savior. it was great for us to be able to get the column on the internet since his paper stopped carrying it at about the same time he was having serious vision challenges. I was able to increase the font size for him.
Lori
Yeah for Verena! Siesta Key is one of my favorite beaches. Let Lovina know we have ALOT of snow and VERY cold temps here in Geneva!!