Thank you
Before we get into todayโs recipe, I want to thank you for the incredible love and kindness you showed after losing Dozer. Iโve spent many hours reading your messages, and theyโve meant more than I can properly express with words.
RecipeTin Eats is, first and foremost, a recipe website, and so Iโll be getting back to regular recipes. But for a while, Iโll keep his spirit alive with anย In Memory of Dozerย section at the bottom of each post. I started this website with him at my feet, and he was beside me for every recipe until the very end. I feel like Iโve lost my identity without him, but I know clarity will come with time, and sharing small Dozer memories is part of that.
Thank you for embracing him as part of this little corner of the internet we call RecipeTin Eats. I enjoyed sharing his antics with you over the years so very much. โ Nagi x
Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry
This Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry is a recipe designed to bring some much needed mood-lifting cheer in my life along with a big veggie hit (also much needed). Quick, easy, highly adaptable to whatever veg youโve got!
If there was ever a time I needed something big and colourful and cheerful, itโs right now. I never thought I would share a recipe which was so focussed on a visual outcome that I was choosing vegetables based solely on their cooked-colour qualities (the broccoli has too many yellow florets! ๐ค). But then again, I never thought I would be grieving the loss of Dozer in such a public way.
How far I am from my desk-bound-city-gal days!
Nevertheless, here we are, armed with a bounty of vegetables representing the colours in a rainbow for a big chicken stir fry that is as nourishing and delicious as it is a delight to look at. I hope it brings some cheer into your life too!
Ingredients in Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry
Hereโs what you need to make this colourful stir fry.
the Vegetables
The vegetables Iโm using below were specifically chosen to achieve a kaleidoscope of colour. But donโt fret if you donโt have everything Iโve shown below, or if theyโre out of season / expensive! As with most stir fries, you can make this with virtually any vegetable.
So much colour talk! Itโs a first, thatโs for sure. Normally itโs all about flavour!
Red and yellow capsicum (bell pepper) โ I use half of each to get both red and yellow colour in the stir fry. But itโs ok! You can use just a whole capsicum thatโs a single colour, promise you wonโt ruin your dinner. ๐
Red cabbage โ Again, chosen for colour! Feel free to substitute with your every day regular green cabbage, or spinach, kale or other similar cook-able leafy greens.
Baby bok choy โ I chose these to add some white into the stir fry, from the stems. The leaves end up wilting so much, they donโt actually add much green in, so I get the green from edamame and the sugar snap peas. I like to use baby bok choy (small ones) because theyโre so easy to prep for stir fries, just cut the leafy part off the stem and itโs ready to use. For regular size ones, use one large or 2 medium ones (chop the leaves).
Sugar snap peas โ For green! I chose sugar snap peas for a bit of lovely sweet crunch. Also, they were cheaper than snow peas which was the other option. ๐
Edamame โ For more green! I loved the green pops it adds into this stir fry, almost like glowing jades. Or emeralds. Errโฆ.maybe not. Is there a gemstone thatโs kind of greenish yellow?? ๐ค (PS I use frozen shelled edamame. I donโt grow and shell my own. ๐ )
Green onion โ This was more about getting aromatic onion flavour into the stir fry, the easier option to peeling and chopping an onion (you can totally do that instead if you want).
Cashews! Not for colour. Just because I love cashews in my stir fries, and I felt like I deserved it. I use roasted, unsalted cashews here. If you have raw cashews, toast them to cook through before starting the stir fry, then add them back in per the recipe.
the sauce and chicken
The stir fry sauce is intentionally light in colour so it wonโt mute the vibrant colours of the vegetables. And while Iโve used chicken, the recipe card has directions for making this with beef or pork instead (tip: tenderise it!).
Chicken โ I use boneless thighs which stay nice and juicy in stir fries. If using breast or tenderloin, I recommend tenderising it โ directions here (itโs easy, and the results are phenomenal).
Light soy sauce โ This provides most of the salt in the sauce. I use light soy sauce because it doesnโt colour the sauce too much โ as noted above, I intentionally make the sauce as clear as possible. Any regular or all-purpose soy sauce, or tamari (for gluten-free) can be used as well, though the sauce will be a touch more brown. Do not use dark soy sauce or sweet soy sauce / kecap manis as they are too intense. More on which soy sauce to use whenย here.
Oyster sauce โย A staple Asian sauce that adds complexity, flavour and umami all at once. Made from oyster extract that is sweet, salty, thick and pungent, but doesnโt taste oyster-y or fishy at all once cooked.ย Can be substituted with shellfish free alternative โ vegetarian โoysterโ sauce, even found at regular grocery stores these days.
Chinese cooking wineย (โShaoxing wineโ) โ essential ingredient for making truly โrestaurant standardโ Chinese dishes, adds depth of flavour into sauces. Substitute with mirin, cooking sake or dry sherry. Non alcoholic substitute โ substitute the water with low sodium chicken stock/broth.
Sesame oil โ We add this into the stir fry at the very end is you get a really lovely hit of sesame flavour (cooking sesame oil dulls the flavour). (PS I always use toasted sesame oil which is the common one here in Australia. Itโs brown. Untoasted sesame oil is harder to find. It is yellow and the sesame flavour is not as strong).
Cornflour / cornstarch โย This is what thickens the sauce and makes it glossy so it coats the stir fry ingredients beautifully.
White pepperย which is the traditional pepper choice in Asian cooking. Substitute with black pepper.
How to make Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry
As with most stir fries, this moves fast once you start cooking (8 minutes). So have everything chopped and ready to toss into the pan!
Sauce โ Mix the sauce ingredients in a jug, then set aside. Take note of the order in which I add the sauces, so itโs easy to make a lump-free stir fry sauce! ๐
Season chicken โ Mix the chopped chicken with a bit of Chinese cooking wine to season it with flavour. (Itโs salty โ did you know that?)
Chicken first โ Start by cooking the chicken first. Use a large 30 cm / 12โณ non stick pan which will ensure everything sizzles nicely rather than becoming all watery and stewy (not good in stir-fry situations).
Garlic and green onion โ When the chicken is mostly cooked, add the garlic and the white part of the green onion. These are aromatics that will flavour the oil and chicken.
Firmer veg โ Next, add the capsicum, sugar snap peas, stem of the bok choy, edamame (still frozen is fine) and cashews. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. The vegetables will still be mostly raw at this stage which is fine, they will cook through more in the next steps.
Leafy wilting things โ Finally, add the bok choy leaves, cabbage and green part of the green onions. Give them a toss for around 30 seconds until they start to wilt (I find itโs easiest to do this with two spatulas).
Sauce โ Give the sauce a quick mix to agitate any cornflour that has settled on the base, then pour it into the pan.
Thicken and sesame oil โ Let the sauce simmer for around 1 minute and watch as it magically thickens into a shiny sauce that coats all the vegetables beautifully. Then stir in the sesame oil and your beautiful Rainbow Stir Fry is ready to serve!
Oh, in case I havenโt convinced you yet โ full impact image of the rainbow of colours! How can you resist making this. ๐
Hope you get a chance to try this. And remember, no stressing if you donโt have all the vegetables I use! The recipe card includes a guide on how to make this with whatever vegetables youโve got.
Enjoy! โ Nagi x
Watch how to make it
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Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 4 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (can sub with vegetarian oyster sauce)
- 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Note 1)
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce or all-purpose soy sauce (Note 2)
- Pinch white pepper (or black pepper)
Chicken:
- 350g/ 12 oz boneless chicken thighs , each cut in half then into 1 cm /0.4โณ strips (Note 3 for breast)
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Note 2)
- Pinch white pepper
Rainbow stir fry (Note 4 for veg substitutions):
- 2 tbsp peanut oil , or vegetable or canola oil
- 4 garlic cloves , finely minced with a knife
- 3 green onion stems , cut into 4 cm / 2โณ lengths, white part separated from green part (or 1/2 onion sliced)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas or small snow peals , strings removed (Note 5)
- 1/2 each red and yellow capsicum (bell pepper), deseeded, cut into 1 cm /0.4" strips
- 3 baby bok choy , leaves cut off stems, big stems cut lengthways โ or any other Asian greens
- 3/4 cup unsalted roasted cashews (or almonds)
- 3/4 cup frozen edamame beans โ use frozen (ie. shelled)
- 1 1/2 cups purple cabbage , cut into 5 x 1 cm /0.4โณ strips โ or any other type of cabbage, baby spinach etc
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Serving:
- White rice โ or any other rice of choice
Instructions
ABBREVIATED:
- Cook chicken until mostly cooked, add garlic and white part of green onion towards end. Add first: capsicum, bok choy stems, cashews and edamame (1 min). Then bok choy leaves, cabbage and green part of green onion (30 seconds). Add sauce, thicken, then finish with sesame oil. Serve!
FULL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Sauce โ In a jug, mix cornflour with a splash of the water until dissolved. Mix in everything else except the remaining water until dissolved. Then add remaining water.
- Chicken โ Toss chicken with Chinese cooking wine and pepper.
- Cook โ Heat the oil in a large 30 cm / 12" non stick skillet over high heat (Note 6 on cooking vessel). Add chicken then stir constantly until mostly cooked, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and the white part of green onion, cook for 1 minute.
- Add the capsicum, bok choy stem, cashews and frozen edamame. Cook 1 minute.
- Add bok choy leaves, cabbage and green part of green onions. Toss with two spatulas until slightly wilted (~30 seconds).
- Sauce โ Add the sauce, stir and let it simmer until it becomes glossy and thickens so it coats everything beautifully, about 1 minute.
- Sesame oil โ Add sesame oil, toss through, then serve over rice.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
In memory of Dozer
Itโs been almost two weeks since I said goodbye to Dozer. It feels like a lot has happened, but also as though time has stood still.
Firstly, I am doing ok. I am still terribly sad, my heart still hurts from missing him (there is literally no other way to describe the pangs), and I still cry every day. But I am not falling apart. I am back at work and getting into routine again.
But โ it is not my intention to use this section of the post to pine for Dozer. I want to use this new In Memory Of section for more positive and heart-warming things. Like โ a Dozer tat!!! Come onโฆyou knew I wouldโฆโฆ
My grandmother is rolling over in her grave. This is the first tattoo (that we know of) in our entire extended family. In Japan, it is considered taboo to have a tattoo. Only the yakuza (mafia) has tattoos!! my grandmother declared sternly (mind you, she also said the same about sunglasses, and would refuse to walk beside me if I dared to wear mine ๐).
And in other news โ there have been flowers for Dozer left outside RTM (our food bank), beside the life-size sticker of him on the window. My team didnโt tell me about this until I came back to work this week, and of course this triggered a flood of tears as I was so touched.
There were also the friendship bracelets made by readers which were posted way back in early December but only found their way to me in February. I opened the package when I got home after that fateful day and I sobbed so hard when I saw them. Barely a day has gone by since without wearing them, I donโt care that Iโm not a 14 year old! ๐ฅฐ Thank you Christine, Monique and Harriet, I will treasure them!
And, astonishingly, the passing of Dozer was in the press (like here and here and here). At the time, every article that popped up had me in a flood of tears (to be fair though, for the first few days, pretty much everything would make me cry โ from that possum running across the fence that Dozer wouldโve gone nuts over, to the sprinklers on the lawn that Dozer used to play with).
But then afterwards, my family and I laughed with disbelief and shook our heads that my goofy, adorable, cute-but-not-very-smart fur ball had somehow become headline news, just by being his lovable, food-obsessed self. โค๏ธ
I have much more to share in the coming weeks, including something positive and uplifting in memory of Dozer, but for today I will stop here. Thank you for reading! โ N x
I love you Dozer. I miss you every single day. I hope you are splashing in the surf, and having steak and cheese for dinner every single night. Love โ your mum. xx
Rainbow Chicken Stir Fry celebrates Dozer and the happy memories โ so colourful, fresh and bright โค๏ธ๐งก๐๐๐
Pat, I love that you see it that way. Colourful, fresh and bright feels like a pretty perfect way to celebrate him and all the happy memories. Thank you for that beautiful thought. N x
Thank you for sharing everything about you and dozer Love & Hugs from ๐ CANADA
Joanne, thank you so much for the love all the way from Canada ๐ It means a lot that youโve followed along with me and Dozer, and shared in our journey. Sending a big hug right back to you. N x
Oh, Nagi . . . I am so very sorry to read of Dozerโs passing.
You write your recipes (which are wonderful!!) with such warmth. And for me, Dozerโs โcontributionโ was an added gift. I am such an animal person, having spent most of my life in the company of wonderful companions of many species, including Freddy, the black lab version of Dozer. Itโs been a handful of years, and I miss him still.
As Iโve lived to (as we say in the States) โa certain age,โ Iโve come to realize the sad and painful truth that our companions just donโt live long enough. It is bleak comfort, but Iโve learned that the sadness felt at their passing is only a reflection of their love, freely given, and the joy they brought into our lives.
Through you, Dozerโs vibrance has touched so many, world wide. It is fitting that as he โcrosses the Rainbow Bridgeโ that there would be a rainbow recipe.
Please know your heartache is felt, and is understood. My heart hurts for you. I hope with time you will again feel the love he brought to you. And you may even come to the point of sharing again his light-hearted stories (you already have). Those stories have a healing power and are truly treasures he leaves with you.
Wishing you peace,
In kindness,
Kate
Kate, thank you so much for your beautiful message, and Iโm so sorry about Freddy. Youโre right โ they just donโt stay long enough, and the sadness really is a reflection of how much love there was. It means so much that Dozerโs stories meant something to you. Thank you for your kindness. N x
Iโm so glad you are posting memories of Dozer. I love your recipes and have made many of them, but I always loved the posts about Dozer. My own Golden, Daisy, will be 13 this Spring. Sheโs still pretty healthy but is slowing down. Love and Hugs to you!
Kathleen, thank you so much. Iโm so glad you enjoy the Dozer memories as well as the recipes. Daisy sounds like a beautiful girl โ 13 and still going strong is such a gift, even with the slowing down. Give her a big cuddle from me. Love and hugs right back to you. N x
Nagi, I was so sorry to hear about Dozer. From experience, I know just how you feel. My daughter lost her so much loved dog in November and last Sunday, she brough home an 8 week old puppy. You canโt replace Dozer, ever, but another dog will help to fill an empty space. Dozer was such a goofy old man who loved life so much. I know just how much you loved him and he loved you. Seeing him playing in the sea was my favourite way of seeing him. I hope youโll be able to show us pictures of Dozer that you havenโt shown us before, Iโm sure you must have hundreds stacked away. This message isnโt meant to upset you, but from one dog lover to another, I just couldnโt let Dozer cross the rainbow bridge without mentioning it.
Carol, thank you so much, and Iโm sorry for your daughterโs loss too. An 8 week old puppy sounds like beautiful, chaotic comfort. Iโm so glad you loved seeing Dozer in the sea โ that was his happiest place. Iโve definitely got more photos to share. N x
Dear Nagi
So pleased youโre feeling better, and good to see you back. Sending virtual hugs and love. โค๏ธ
Jo, thank you so much. Iโm getting there, one step at a time. I really appreciate the hugs and love all the way from the UK. N x
Just sending Big Love & Hugs.
Thanks Vicki. Hugs back ๐ โ N x
Nagi
So sorry to hear about Dozer. I have my 4th Golden and she is 10 years old. It is very hard to loose them. I have found over the years the best way to cope is to get another Golden as soon as possible.
Gerard, thank you, and wow โ a 4th Golden, you clearly have a type. Ten years old is such a special age. Youโre right, itโs incredibly hard to lose them. Iโm taking things one day at a time, but I do understand the pull of another Golden. N x
Iโm so happy that youโre feeling better. Itโll take time, but one day youโll be able to smile at the memories made with Dozer. My dog passed away in July and it took a couple months for me to not feel really sad thinking about her. One day, weโll be reunited with Dozer and Pepper (my doggy) in heaven. God bless you, Nagi. Love the tattoo by the way! Itโs so cute, no way it could be gangster!๐ฉท๐ฉท๐ฉท๐ฉท๐ฉท
Avery, thank you so much, and Iโm so sorry about Pepper. Youโre right โ it takes time before the memories feel more smile than sting. Iโm getting there slowly. And thank you for the tattoo love โ definitely not gangster, just very devoted dog mum energy. ๐ฉท N x
Omg! I just got an email from my favorite celebrity!! Iโm sure Pepper and Dozer have already made friends. Love you, Dozer, and your recipes๐ฉท
Dear Nagi
Hope you feel better sharing your special moments of Dozer. Have so enjoyed seeing your lovely boy grow up. He is no longer suffering (& is thinking of you with love) wherever he is.
Stay strong & look after yourself
L uv to you allxxx
Carol, thank you so much for your kindness. Sharing little Dozer moments does help, more than I expected. Iโm so glad you enjoyed watching my lovely boy over the years. Sending love back to you. N x
Did Grandmother know Dozer? She might have got a tattoo as well(maybe just a temp one)
Can picture Dozer at your feet waiting for a bite of that chicken,he would have loved it.
Prayers still for you in your loss.
Karen, that made me smile โ I can just imagine Grandmother with a little temporary Dozer tattoo. And yes, he absolutely would have been at my feet waiting for chicken. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts, I appreciate it. N x
Hey Nagi, glad to have you back. I know this is a terrible time but remember you have our love and support. We appreciate everything that you do. You are in our thoughts. XOXO
Danika, thank you so much. It really helps knowing I have your love and support behind me. I appreciate you being here more than you know. N x
Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss because losing a true companion is so hard. My heart hurts for you! Dozer was such a special part of all our lives too. I canโt remember how many times that people said the first thing they do is read what you had to say about Dozer. Please continue telling your favorite stories about Dozer that made you smile or laugh because when remembered in love, that perfect love lives on in all our hearts. I completely know how you feel, so know you are not alone even though it feels that way right now. We all share your sorrow because Dozer was incredible, especially shared through the eyes of your love for him! Sending you a comforting hug Nagi.
Raelene, thank you so much for this. It means a lot knowing Dozer was such a special part of your experience here too. Iโll keep sharing the stories that make me smile โ they help more than I expected. Thank you for the hug and for reminding me Iโm not alone. N x
I have shed tears for the loss of Dozer too. Loved following you and Dozer for so many years. I would even share some of Dozer pictures with my husband. I havenโt had a dog in over a decade so I enjoyed reading about Dozer and trying your recipes. Thanks for all that you have shared with the world. I will continue to try your recipes and I feel your grief as I have been in your shoes when I lost my own.
Rita, thank you so much for sharing that with me. It really touches me that you shared Dozerโs photos with your husband and followed along with us for so many years. Iโm so sorry you know this kind of loss too. Thank you for being here and for continuing to cook along with me. N x
So glad you will continue to share Dozer with us! Sending you and the team much love xoxo
Lisa, thank you so much. Iโm really glad you want to keep seeing little bits of Dozer โ that means a lot. Sending love right back to you. N x
Nagi, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know the pain you are in as we, too, lost our beloved Jasmine on February 5th. Every day gets a tiny bit easier. Sending lots of love xo
Sheryl, Iโm so sorry about Jasmine, especially so recently. Youโre right, itโs tiny steps forward each day. Sending lots of love right back to you as you navigate this too. N x
Nagi, Happy to hear you will share your memories of Dozer with us. Dozer meant a lot to us too. After every email you sent I would go to your website and click the Dozer button. He always brought a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Martha, this means so much to me. The thought of you clicking the Dozer button after every email makes me smile โ he wouldโve loved that level of attention. Thank you for loving him right along with me. N x
I have been following you for 8 years and enjoyed every post of dozer ( and your recipes). We all felt like he was our dog too. I canโt stop crying over losing him. Big hole in my heart. Canโt imagine your pain. Big hug from me- from other side of the planet. He was an international goodwill ambassador.
Ann, eight years is such a long journey together โ thank you for being there for all of it. โInternational goodwill ambassadorโ made me laugh through the tears, that feels very fitting for my boy. Sending a big hug right back across the planet. N x
My Carissima Nagi โ Thankyou for this rainbow recipe โ will definetly make this soon in Dozerโs honour..It will take time, alot of time but the tears wonโt stop but slowly turn into Beautiful memories and yes never stop talking about him to us โ like you Dozer has become part of us!!!!! Take Care and you are fortunate to be surrounded by your team, your family and all your followers who are like your friendsโฆxox
Daniela, thank you my lovely. Making the rainbow recipe in his honour is the sweetest tribute. Youโre right โ the tears will slowly turn into beautiful memories, and I wonโt stop talking about him. Iโm so grateful for you. N x
Nagi, So sorry for your loss. Always love getting your recipes and hearing about your life with Dozer. Your precious memories of his antics and your adventures with him may make you cry, but they also will make you laugh more and keep him in your heart forever.
Vanessa, thank you so much. Youโre right โ the memories bring tears, but they also bring laughter, and I wouldnโt trade a single one. Iโm so glad you enjoyed sharing our adventures. N x