Introduction
Meal prepping has become a popular way to save time and eat healthily, especially for those who love Asian cuisine. One of the most versatile proteins to use is chicken, which pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. In this article, we’ll explore delicious sides for Asian chicken meal prep that not only enhance the flavor of your chicken but also provide a balanced meal.
Asian-inspired sides are vibrant, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, these sides will complement your chicken perfectly. Let’s dive into the recipes!
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Serving
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the jasmine rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with 4 cups of water in a pot and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Fluff the cooked jasmine rice with a fork and serve alongside the stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
More Sides for Asian Chicken Meal Prep
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore more sides that pair beautifully with Asian chicken. These recipes are not only nutritious but also quick to prepare, making them perfect for your meal prep routine.
1. Asian Cucumber Salad
This refreshing salad adds a crunch and brightness to your meal prep. It is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss in some chili flakes for a spicy kick!
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
- Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chili flakes on top before serving.
2. Garlic Fried Rice
Fried rice is a staple in Asian cuisine, and it’s an excellent side for your meal prep. This version is infused with garlic and can be made with leftover rice for convenience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Push to one side of the skillet.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots, cooking until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and green onions. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
3. Steamed Bok Choy with Soy Sauce
Bok choy is a nutritious leafy green that cooks quickly and adds a delightful crunch. Steaming keeps it tender while retaining its nutrients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bok choy, halved
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Place bok choy in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes until tender.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle the sauce over steamed bok choy and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
4. Thai Mango Salad
This vibrant salad combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that complement chicken beautifully. The freshness of mango adds a tropical touch.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chili flakes to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili flakes.
- Add the mango, bell pepper, carrot, and cilantro to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
FAQ
1. What are some quick sides for Asian chicken meal prep?
Some quick sides include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or simple salads like cucumber or mango salad.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables for meal prep sides?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are convenient and just as nutritious. They can be stir-fried or steamed for a quick side.
3. How long can I store meal prep sides in the fridge?
Most meal prep sides can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are in airtight containers.
4. Can I customize these sides?
Yes! Feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Meal prepping is all about personalization.
Conclusion
With these delicious sides for Asian chicken meal prep, you can create a variety of balanced and flavorful meals. Each recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for your busy lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make these recipes your own. Happy meal prepping!
