Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRich TableLet Us Choose Your Adventure Recipe

Let Us Choose Your Adventure Recipe

Inspired by Rich Table
Time40m
Serves2

Make Let Us Choose Your Adventure Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Choose-Your-Adventure Base

Method

Choose-Your-Adventure Base

  1. 1

    Prep proteins

    Pat chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch strips (if using). Pat tofu dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. If using shrimp, pat dry and leave whole. Season all chosen proteins lightly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  2. 2

    Cook proteins

    Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbs vegetable oil. If cooking chicken: add chicken in a single layer, do not overcrowd, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil. If cooking tofu: add remaining 1 tbs oil and pan-fry tofu cubes 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp; transfer to a plate. If cooking shrimp: cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through; transfer to a plate. You may cook two proteins (for example chicken + shrimp) in separate batches. Keep warm.

Adventure Sauce Options (choose one)

  1. 3

    Lemon-Garlic Sauce

    In the same skillet over medium heat, add 3 tbs unsalted butter. When melted, add 3 tsp minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 2 tbs lemon juice and 2 tbs chopped parsley; season with a pinch of salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss the cooked protein back into the pan and spoon sauce over to coat for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

  2. 4

    Spicy Peanut Sauce

    In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter, 2 tbs soy sauce, 1 tbs rice vinegar, 1 tbs honey, and 1 tsp sriracha. Add 2–3 tbs warm water to thin to a pourable consistency. Warm gently, stirring, until glossy. Toss protein in the sauce or spoon sauce over before serving. Adjust sriracha to taste.

  3. 5

    Herb-Tomato Sauce

    Warm 1 tbs olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp finely chopped shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp dried oregano; simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 1 tbs chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper. Return the cooked protein to the skillet and coat with sauce for 1 minute.

Grain / Greens (choose one)

  1. 6

    Rice

    Rinse 1 cup long-grain rice until water runs clear. Combine rice with 1 3/4 cups water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest 10 minutes, then fluff with fork.

  2. 7

    Quinoa

    Rinse 3/4 cup quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Combine with 1 1/4 cups water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover and simmer 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.

  3. 8

    Mixed Greens

    Toss 4 cups mixed salad greens with 1 tsp olive oil and a squeeze of lemon wedge. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Serve greens as a bed for the sauced protein.

Garnishes & Finishes

  1. 9

    Plate your chosen grain or greens, top with the sauced protein, and finish with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (if using peanut sauce), 2 tbs chopped scallions, and 2 tbs fresh cilantro if desired. Finish with a crack of black pepper and an optional lemon wedge.

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