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+ servings

Squash Shoot Stir Fry w/ Chicken

It is the season! Ntsis Taub (squash shoots) is my all time favorite summer vegetable. It’s amazing in soups, stews, and stir fries. It’s earthy, tender, slightly sweet, and pack full of nutrients. Today, I’ll show you the stir fry version. This time we’re going to cook it with chicken. It’s great over rice. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Hmong
Servings 6 People

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken thigh (chopped)
  • 1 tsp salt (to season the thigh)
  • 1 lb chicken skin (chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (to season the skin)
  • 2 whole lemongrass stalk (smashed)
  • 1/4 cup garlic (chopped)
  • 1.5 lb squash shoots (trimmed, rinsed, drained well)
  • 1 cup young kabocha or zucchini (chopped)
  • 2 tsp mushroom seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (to season the whole dish)
  • 3 whole (or more) chili peppers (chopped)
  • 1 cup Thai basil

Instructions
 

  • Clean and trimmed the fuzzy parts of the squash shoots. Cut into bite size pieces if needed and rinse well. Place in a strainer and allow any excess water to drain before using.
  • In a good non stick pan, add in the chopped chicken skin. Add a pinch of salt to season. Cook and render out the fat until the chicken skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Once crispy, transfer into a strainer to drain excess fat and allow the skin to cool off.
  • In the same pan, add in about 2 tbsp of the chicken fat. Add in the minced garlic and pounded lemongrass stalks. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to release the aroma. Then add in the diced chicken thigh along with 1 tsp of salt. Allow it to cook until the thigh is fully cooked and most of the water has evaporated. There should also be some color to the chicken. Then add in the sliced zucchini or young squash. Cook for 2 minutes or so. Then add in the squash shoots, salt, and mushroom seasoning. Stir and cook until the shoots become slightly tender or to your liking. Then add in the chili peppers and Thai basil. Mix well and then turn off heat. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. When serving you can crumble the chicken skin as garnish! This way they stay crispy. Serve over fresh steamed rice and enjoy! :)
Keyword squash shoots, stir fry
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