If you’ve ever experienced a true American Thanksgiving, chances are you’ve had canned cranberry jelly. The ribbed, cylindrical beauty plops out of the can like a gavel marking the start of the holiday, retaining its signature shape so guests can slice off just the right amount. While this is a perfectly acceptable (if not downright encouraged) way of serving, here the jelly is used as a weeknight dinner shortcut, transforming into a quick stir-fry sauce that coats chicken and green beans in a glossy sweet-and-sour sauce reminiscent of orange chicken. Just make sure to grab a can of jellied cranberry sauce, not the whole-berry kind. While they might look similar, the former will result in a smooth and glossy glaze (the berries in the other will clump it up).
Recipe information
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Whisk 1 cup jellied cranberry sauce (from a 14-oz. can), 3 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar, 2 tsp. finely grated orange zest, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil, and 2 Tbsp. soy sauce in a small bowl until jelly is mostly dissolved (some lumps are okay); set sauce aside.
Step 2
Toss 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved crosswise, thinly sliced against the grain, 1 Tbsp. cornstarch, and remaining 1 Tbsp. soy sauce in a medium bowl until chicken is well coated; set aside.
Step 3
Heat 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a large skillet over high. Cook 1 lb. green beans, trimmed, tossing very occasionally, until tender and deeply browned in spots, 6–8 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to a large bowl.
Step 4
Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil in same pan. Arrange reserved chicken in a single layer and cook, tossing very occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl with green beans.
Step 5
If pan is dry, add more vegetable oil (up to 2 Tbsp.). Add 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped, and one ½" piece ginger, peeled, finely chopped, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add reserved sauce; cook, stirring, until thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Return green beans and chicken to pan; toss to coat.
Step 6
Remove stir-fry from heat; season with kosher salt. Top with thinly sliced orange zest and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with steamed white rice if desired.
Recipe notes
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