Pineapple Walnut Stir-Fry
A vibrant stir-fry combining sweet pineapple, crunchy walnuts, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory soy sauce glaze—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 20 oz. can chunk pineapple in syrup ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup walnuts ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast, split, boned and sliced ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped ginger root ⓘ
- 1/2 pound broccoli, cut in florets ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving the syrup.
- Pour boiling water over walnuts and let stand for 2 minutes.
- Drain the walnuts.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet.
- Stir-fry walnuts until browned, then remove and drain.
- Add oil as needed and stir-fry sliced chicken, pressed garlic, sliced onion, and chopped ginger until the chicken turns white.
- Remove the chicken mixture from the wok.
- Add broccoli florets to the wok and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return the walnuts and chicken mixture to the wok.
- Add the pineapple chunks.
- Combine reserved pineapple syrup, soy sauce, and cornstarch to make the sauce.
- Stir the sauce into the pineapple mixture.
- Cook until the sauce boils and thickens.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Pineapple Walnut Stir-Fry, consider using fresh pineapple for a brighter taste. If walnuts aren't available, pecans or cashews can be great substitutes. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Ensure the chicken is thinly sliced for even cooking, and feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to complement the broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pineapple Walnut Stir-Fry over a bed of fluffy rice or with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Peanuts for a diverse dinner spread. For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. This dish also reheats well in the microwave; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Walnut Stir-Fry contains roughly 280 calories, with 7g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1741mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Pineapple Walnut Stir-Fry, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu in soy sauce for extra flavor before frying it. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to enhance the dish's texture and taste.
What can I serve as a side dish?
This stir-fry goes well with many sides. Consider serving it with egg rolls or spring rolls for a classic touch. A light Asian-style salad with sesame dressing can also complement the flavors beautifully. For a heartier meal, try pairing it with fried rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).