I’ve quit my boxed meals subscription again. (I’ve tried Blue Apron and most recently Hello Fresh.) While I would NOT not recommend them to anyone, at some point I just get bored. (Plus the recipes and dishes start to be recycled and too familiar.)
Every two weeks, I place my insulated zipped bag on the doorstep and await the delivery. There’s always butter lettuce (along with other herbs or greens) and then anything from heirloom potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, carrots, cucumbers, asparagus, brussels sprouts, nectarines, blueberries, etc. It’s really eclectic and delicious. The only time there was ever an issue with quality was once with some nectarines and peaches. I simply let LocalFarmOK know and they comped me some delicious blueberries on the next delivery.
My intent when I get my bag is to use the contents to make a meal. While I’ve had some hit and misses with my “thrown together” recipes, this one was a hit.
Chicken Stir Fry with Celery and Green Beans
Using what was in the last OK Farm bag (plus some chicken).
Ingredients
- 2 T. canola oil
- 1 chicken breast, cut into strips
- 4 T. balsamic vinegar
- 4 T. soy sauce
- 2 T. sriracha
- 1 T. honey
- 1 large shallot (about 1/4 cup)
- 6 celery stalks, trimmed and sliced
- 1 lb. green beans, trimmed and cut into 1
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- brown rice
Instructions
- Stir vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha and honey in a small bowl. (Heat honey a bit so that it whisks in easier). Set aside.
- Heat 1 T of the oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken, in batches, for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Remove to a plate.
- Return the wok to high heat and heat remaining oil. Add shallots and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add celery and beans, and garlic and stir-fry for about 4 minutes, until just tender.
- Return chicken to wok with vinegar mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and coated in the sauce.
- Serve with rice.
Love this sauce and will use it in other stir-fries.
I just realized that there are recipes posted each week to go along with the bag’s contents. This week the featured recipe was “Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing.” Instead, I tried to create “Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Chicken Pasta.”
I made a dijon mustard sauce for the pasta. It was edible but more R&D is needed.
I wonder what’s coming in the next delivery?
We have HelloFresh here, but not sure about the LocalFarm…The stirfry looks fresh and very tasty with that spicy, sweet and savoury sauce.
I need to look into this delivery service! I never knew about it. Because of my hand surgeries, I’ve been getting some prepared meals, mostly for my poor husband. They’re not bad, but with the heat, the quality just isn’t as great. Thanks for this info and the recipe!
We tried Hello Fresh and I found some good recipes but then, like you, I got bored.
We are just now back home after living in the RV for 6 weeks while our kitchen and baths were remodeled so….I am ready to start cooking in a kitchen again! Love your recipe here and will “earmark” it to try soon.
That’s a classic stir-fry and an excellent idea! I especially like your sauce, though I might add some chopped ginger-root with the garlic as well. I think you have found the antidote to the boredom of the food boxes. Might be more economical as well.
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Debra, you such a creative cook that it just seems natural that the coop basket is a better way to go. Interesting about the recycling of dishes with the box meals. Love this chicken dish and that sauce is to die for. Balsamic and sriracha – Yum!!!!
We haven’t tried a meal subscription. Probably should have during COVID! Anyway, this looks like a great dish. We love quick stir-fries, and they’re a regular on our dinner table. This is perfect for us — thanks.