Chinese Plum Chicken Stir Fry

Chinese plum chicken stir fry is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe featuring crispy chicken, fresh plums, colorful bell peppers, and a sticky sweet-and-spicy sauce made with soy sauce, pineapple juice, and chilli. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy stir fry pairs well with boiled or fried rice and can be customized with different vegetables or proteins. A great homemade alternative to takeout, packed with bold flavors and ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for family meals or anyone looking for a fast and vibrant Asian-inspired dish.

This bold and colorful chicken stir fry combines crispy chicken pieces with juicy plums, bell peppers, and a sticky sweet-and-tangy sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that balances savory, fruity, and spicy flavors—all made in one pan.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 3 chicken breast fillets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (approx. 520g / 1.1 lbs)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 egg
• 100 g (10 tbsp or 4/5 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3 tbsp oil (for frying)

For the Stir Fry:

• 3 ripe plums, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Sticky Plum Sauce:

• 2 tbsp tomato purée (paste)
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 180 ml (¾ cup) pineapple juice

To Serve:

• Boiled rice or egg fried rice
• Shredded spring onions (scallions)
• Extra chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Make the Sauce
In a bowl, combine tomato purée, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes, and pineapple juice. Set aside.

2. Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with cornflour until well coated.
Add the egg and mix until no liquid egg remains at the bottom of the bowl.
Sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and paprika. Mix well by hand until the chicken is fully coated. The mixture will be sticky.

3. Fry the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat.
Add the coated chicken and fry for 6–7 minutes, turning a few times until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

4. Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced plums, bell peppers, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the plums begin to soften.

5. Finish with Sauce
Pour in the prepared sauce. Stir and let it bubble on high heat for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces by about one-third.

6. Serve
Turn off the heat and serve the stir fry over rice. Top with shredded spring onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

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Tips

• Use firm, ripe plums for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches for better browning.
• Keep the sauce simmering on high to help it reduce quickly and coat the chicken evenly.
• If the chicken coating starts sticking too much, add a touch more oil.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Replace chicken with sliced beef, tofu, or king prawns.
• Plums: Use tinned pineapple chunks or fresh peaches if plums are unavailable.
• Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or onions for extra crunch.
• Heat level: Adjust chili flakes and sweet chilli sauce to suit your spice preference.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and soy sauce alternatives.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating.

How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar and pineapple juice slightly, or increase vinegar for a sharper flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
The chicken is crispiest when freshly cooked, but the sauce and prep can be done in advance to speed up the process.

Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes. Coat as directed and cook in a preheated air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with jasmine rice, egg fried rice, or noodles.
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad or steamed greens like pak choi or green beans.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped coriander for added texture and freshness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in one easy dish
• Uses everyday ingredients with a colorful, restaurant-style presentation
• Great for weeknight meals, yet impressive enough for guests
• Flexible and easy to customize with seasonal produce or protein
• Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep