Pineapple-Glazed Teriyaki Chicken Bites

Photo credit: www.foodandwine.com

Combining teriyaki sauce with the sweetness of pineapple creates a quick and flavorful dish ideal for busy weeknight meals. In this chicken stir-fry recipe, the use of pineapple cordial enhances the fruity notes; however, fresh pineapple juice can serve as an alternative if needed. The chicken pieces are cooked to tender perfection, coated generously with the sauce, while pineapple chunks caramelize to a golden brown, intensifying their natural sweetness. The result is an umami-rich sauce that harmonizes beautifully with the ingredients.

Understanding Pineapple Cordial

Simply put, cordials are syrups made by simmering fruits or other ingredients with sugar. This method concentrates the flavors, resulting in a sweet and fruity syrup. Cordials are typically utilized in creating cocktails or refreshing non-alcoholic beverages served over ice or mixed with still or sparkling water. In this recipe, the delightful pineapple cordial is crafted by Paul Calvert, a talented bartender and co-owner of Ticonderoga Club in Atlanta.

The Art of Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that employs high heat along with a small amount of oil in a wok or large pan. This method enables constant stirring, allowing for the quick cooking of the ingredients. For optimal results, ingredients—like the chicken pieces used in this dish—should be uniformly sized to ensure even cooking and should be small enough for rapid preparation. While a wok is the traditional vessel for stir-frying, a skillet with sloping sides can also be effective, facilitating easy movement of the ingredients.

Insights from the Kitchen

For those who appreciate a spicy flavor profile, keeping the seeds in the Fresno chiles will intensify the heat. On the other hand, for a milder dish, it’s advisable to remove the seeds and ribs when preparing the peppers.

Recommended Pairing

To complement the spicy and fruity elements of this dish, consider pairing it with a refreshing citrus-forward sparkling wine, such as Bartolomiol Valdobbiadene Prosecco.

Preparation Tips

The pineapple cordial can be prepared in advance and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Source
www.foodandwine.com