Rye Whiskey Stir-Fry
If you’re nervous about igniting the whiskey (honestly, who wouldn’t be), or you have an electric stove, simply let the spirit reduce in the pan. The flavor will be the same. On the other hand, if you’re into kitchen pyrotechnics, just do that step carefully and with the pan extended as far from your body as possible. This was created in partnership with Chef Watson.
Recipe information
Yield
4 Servings
Ingredients
Special Equipment
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until browned and fragrant, 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then chop and set aside.
Step 2
Meanwhile, pour oil into a medium heavy pot to come 3" up the sides; fit pot with deep-fry thermometer. Heat oil over high until thermometer registers 350°. Fry plantains, turning occasionally, until golden and just beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and season with salt; set aside.
Step 3
Cook green beans in a large pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, 1 minute. Transfer to a medium bowl. Cook carrots in same pot until crisp-tender, 3 minutes. Transfer to another medium bowl.
Step 4
Whisk ginger, garlic, apple cider, curry paste, and 1 Tbsp. fish sauce in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 5
Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a wok or large skillet over high and cook green beans, tossing, until just browned, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl. Heat 1 Tbsp. oil and cook carrots, scallion whites, and chile, tossing occasionally, until softened, about 1 minute; transfer to bowl with green beans. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil and cook chicken, tossing frequently, until just browned, 4–5 minutes.
Step 6
Remove pan from heat and carefully pour in rye whiskey. Extending your arm fully so that your body is as far away as possible from pan, return pan to heat and tilt skillet slightly to ignite alcohol. Flames will rise about 1' above pan before dying out, about 4 minutes. Add ginger mixture, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce has reduced and thickened and chicken is cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Add reserved vegetables and remaining 1 Tbsp. fish sauce and toss until heated through and coated with sauce, about 1 minute; season with salt. Transfer to a serving platter and top with scallion greens, reserved pecans and plantains, and cilantro.
