Wok-Tossed Chicken with Corn, Watermelon & Feta

If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a delicious meal at home, this Wok-Tossed Chicken with Corn, Watermelon, and Feta is a must-try. Combining the savory taste of stir-fried chicken with the fresh sweetness of watermelon and the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, this dish is a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, the quick prep and cooking time make it perfect for any occasion.

This contemporary fusion recipe features a delicious chicken stir-fry that is both refreshing and hearty. With the addition of corn and a tangy sesame glaze, you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to create an impressive dish that feels gourmet. Serve it up alongside friends or family for a meal that packs a punch – it's not just a dish, it's an experience!

Ingredients

Chicken (main protein)

• 8 oz chicken breast, diced (sub: 8 oz firm tofu, diced)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (sub: 1 tablespoon tamari)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (sub: 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (sub: 1 tablespoon dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (sub: 1 tablespoon olive oil)
• Salt, to taste (sub: Kosher salt)
• Black pepper, to taste (sub: White pepper)

Corn Salad (starch)

• 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears) (sub: 1 cup frozen corn)
• 1 cup watermelon, cubed (sub: 1 cup cantaloupe, cubed)
• 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled (sub: 2 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled)
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar (sub: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar)
• 1 green onion, sliced (sub: 1 shallot, finely chopped)
• Salt, to taste (sub: Kosher salt)

Sesame Glaze (sauce)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (sub: 2 tablespoons tamari)
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder (sub: 1 teaspoon ground allspice)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (sub: 1 teaspoon honey)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (sub: 1 tablespoon olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (sub: 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

Plating (presentation)

• Additional feta cheese for garnish (sub: Fresh basil leaves)
• Microgreens or edible flowers for garnish (sub: Chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro)

How to Make Wok-Tossed Chicken with Corn, Watermelon, and Feta

Chicken:

1. In a bowl, marinate the diced chicken breast with soy sauce, minced ginger, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper for 15 minutes.
2. Heat a wok over high heat until very hot and add the marinated chicken.
3. Stir-fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Remove from wok and set aside.

Corn Salad:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, cubed watermelon, and sliced green onion.
2. Drizzle with black vinegar and sprinkle feta over the top. Season with salt to taste and toss gently to combine.

Sesame Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, five-spice powder, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
2. Pour the glaze over the cooked chicken and toss to ensure even coating.

Plating:

1. On a wide white ceramic plate, place a bed of the corn salad.
2. Arrange the glazed chicken on top of the salad.
3. Sprinkle additional feta cheese and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers and sesame seeds for a final touch.

Tips for Best Results

1. For a better char on the chicken, make sure the wok is preheated until it starts to smoke slightly before adding the oil.
2. When plating, arrange the watermelon and feta in a visually appealing asymmetric pattern to enhance the dish's contemporary look.
3. To ensure the chicken stays moist, avoid overcooking; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Use a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola oil for the stir-frying process to prevent burning.
5. Taste the glaze before adding the chicken; you can adjust the sweetness with a bit more Shaoxing wine or black vinegar.

Plating & Presentation

To create a stunning presentation for your Wok-Tossed Chicken with Corn, Watermelon, and Feta, begin by evenly distributing the corn salad onto a wide white plate as a base. Top it with the beautifully glazed chicken for an eye-catching contrast. Finishing it off with a sprinkle of additional feta cheese and a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers will elevate the dish to a gourmet experience. The vibrant colors and textures will surely impress any guests.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use tofu as a substitute for chicken?
A: Yes! Firm tofu makes a great vegetarian alternative – just follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.

Q2: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure your dish is gluten-free.

Q3: What can I serve on the side?
A: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a light salad.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Wok-Tossed Chicken with Corn, Watermelon, and Feta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an exciting meal for any occasion. Don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes at InspoPlate and bring this vibrant dish to life in your kitchen!

Thank you for spending a few minutes cooking with me today.

Whether tonight's dinner is something simple or something special, I hope this recipe reminds you that great meals don't require complicated ingredients—just a little inspiration.

Every recipe on InspoPlate is created with the hope of making home cooking easier, more creative, and more enjoyable.

Happy cooking,

— Katia

I created InspoPlate to solve one simple question: "What am I going to cook today?" My mission is to help home cooks transform the ingredients they already have into beautiful, restaurant-worthy meals while building confidence in the kitchen.