If you love bold, spicy stir-fries with vibrant flavors, you’re going to enjoy this global culinary journey. Global Stir-Fries with Ginger: Hunan Chicken, Cambodian Cha Kh’nhei & Beyond is your deep dive into the world’s most flavorful ginger-based dishes. From China’s Hunan province to Cambodia’s street food stalls, ginger takes center stage.
This article not only shares authentic recipes like Hunan Chicken and Cha Kh’nhei but also dives into the cultural roots and culinary secrets behind them. Let’s fire up the wok.
Craving more stir-fry inspiration? Browse our full collection of wok-ready dishes.
Table of Contents
Hunan Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine sliced chicken with soy sauce, wine, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken until browned, about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: Add the remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine: Return chicken to the wok. Add oyster sauce and chili paste. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes.
- Serve Hot: Top with scallions and serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Check out our soy-free stir-fry alternatives.
Cambodian Cha Kh’nhei Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or pork, thinly sliced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced thinly
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh Thai chilies, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
- Cook Protein: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the meat until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add garlic, ginger, and chilies. Stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Combine: Add the meat back in. Pour in the sauce. Stir-fry everything together until coated and slightly caramelized.
- Finish with Herbs: Add Thai basil and stir just until wilted. Serve immediately with hot rice.
Learn more about authentic Cambodian ingredients.
Ginger in Global Stir-Fry Cuisine
Flavor & Health Benefits
Ginger brings a warming, spicy kick to stir-fries. It balances savory sauces, tender meats, and fresh vegetables. It also supports digestion, eases inflammation, and boosts immunity.
Ginger Prep Tips
- Use a spoon to easily peel ginger skin.
- Julienne or mince for stir-fries.
- Store peeled ginger in the freezer for months.
- Fresh is best, but ground ginger can work in sauces.
Need help prepping ginger? Read our knife skills tutorial.
Other Popular Ginger Stir-Fries
Thai Gai Pad King
Gai Pad King is a Thai ginger chicken stir-fry made with oyster sauce, black fungus mushrooms, and mild heat. It’s comforting and pairs beautifully with rice.
Key Features:
- Less spicy than Hunan or Cha Kh’nhei
- Milder flavor perfect for kids
- Often includes julienned young ginger
Vietnamese Gà Kho Gừng
This is a caramelized chicken and ginger dish simmered in fish sauce and sugar. A balance of salty, sweet, and spicy, this slow-cooked stir-fry-style dish is bold yet tender.
Highlights:
- Simmered longer than typical stir-fries
- Traditionally served in clay pots
- Pairs great with pickled vegetables
Explore more Vietnamese home cooking here.
FAQ Section (People Also Ask)
What is Hunan chicken made of?
Hunan chicken typically consists of thinly sliced chicken breast stir-fried with fresh vegetables, ginger, garlic, and a spicy brown sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, and chili paste. It originates from China’s Hunan province, known for bold, spicy, and slightly sour dishes.
What is the meaning of Hunan chicken?
Hunan chicken refers to a dish from China’s Hunan province, emphasizing fresh ingredients, heat, and acidity. The name represents the regional flavor profile—spicy, gingery, and packed with umami.
What is in chicken with garlic sauce?
Chicken with garlic sauce often includes sliced chicken breast, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a savory garlic-soy sauce. While less spicy than Hunan chicken, it still features ginger and a slightly sweet profile.
What is the difference between Hunan chicken and Szechuan chicken?
Both are spicy Chinese dishes but differ in flavor profiles:
Hunan Chicken: Uses fresh chilies and ginger for heat; drier stir-fry.
Szechuan Chicken: Uses dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns; numbing spice and more oil-based sauce.
See our detailed guide comparing Hunan vs. Szechuan dishes.
Final Thoughts
Stir-fries with ginger are a global staple. Whether it’s fiery Hunan Chicken, aromatic Cha Kh’nhei, or comforting Thai and Vietnamese ginger dishes, the possibilities are deliciously endless.
With the right techniques, fresh ingredients, and bold sauces, you can bring authentic international flavors to your own kitchen.