Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry recipe

Weeknights in our household are often a race against the clock. Between after-school activities and evening commitments, finding time to cook a healthy and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Takeout is tempting, but I always crave something fresher and homemade. That’s where the Blackstone griddle has become my absolute kitchen MVP, especially for dishes like this Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry. Honestly, cooking stir fry on the griddle is a game-changer. The high heat and expansive surface area mean everything cooks quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect wok-hei char that’s usually only found in restaurants. And the best part? It’s incredibly fun and interactive to cook outdoors, especially when the family gathers around to watch the sizzling action. Even my picky eaters devour this stir fry, customized with their favorite veggies and a flavorful, yet not-too-spicy sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that utilizes your Blackstone griddle to its full potential, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Stir Fry recipe. Get ready for dinner to become the highlight of your busy week!

Ingredients: Gathering Your Fresh Stir Fry Components

Creating a fantastic Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry starts with gathering fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious and satisfying meal, with notes on ingredient selection and potential substitutions.

For the Chicken & Marinade (Flavor Foundation):

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are more flavorful and forgiving on the griddle. Both work wonderfully. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for even and quick cooking.
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Recommended): Soy sauce forms the base of the marinade and stir fry sauce, adding umami and saltiness. Low sodium is preferred to control the overall salt level. Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) or coconut aminos (soy-free, slightly sweeter) can be used as substitutes.
• 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil: Essential for authentic stir fry flavor, sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and richness. Toasted sesame oil is ideal for a more pronounced flavor, but use it judiciously as it can be strong.
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors and tenderize the chicken. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes in a pinch.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated: Fresh ginger is crucial for its pungent, warm flavor. Use a microplane or fine grater to grate it easily. Ginger paste from a tube can also be used for convenience.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic provides a savory, aromatic base. Freshly minced garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic can also be used for convenience.
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and creates a slight coating that helps the sauce cling to the chicken during stir-frying. Arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors.

For the Stir Fry Vegetables (Colorful & Nutritious):

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: For cooking the vegetables and chicken on the Blackstone griddle. These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for griddle cooking.
• 1 large Onion, sliced: Yellow or white onion works well, adding a foundational savory flavor. Slice it thinly for quick cooking on the griddle.
• 2 Bell Peppers (various colors), sliced: Bell peppers add sweetness, color, and crunch. Use a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) for visual appeal and varied nutrients. Slice them into strips of similar size for even cooking.
• 2 cups Broccoli florets: Broccoli adds a hearty, cruciferous vegetable element. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. You can also use broccolini or Chinese broccoli (gai lan).
• 1 cup Carrots, julienned or thinly sliced: Carrots add sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Julienned carrots cook quickly and are visually appealing. Baby carrots, sliced thinly, are a convenient alternative.
• 1 cup Snow Peas or Sugar Snap Peas: Snow peas or sugar snap peas add a delicate sweetness and crispness. Trim the ends and remove any strings.
• Optional Vegetables: Feel free to customize with other stir fry-friendly vegetables like:
  • Mushrooms (sliced): Shiitake, cremini, or white button mushrooms.
  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash (sliced): Adds a mild flavor and soft texture.
  • Baby Corn (halved or quartered): Adds sweetness and crunch.
  • Water Chestnuts (sliced): Adds a unique crunch and mild flavor.
  • Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage (chopped): Adds leafy greens.

For the Stir Fry Sauce (Flavorful & Savory):

• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): Chicken broth thins out the sauce and adds depth of flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium, same as marinade): Reinforces the umami base of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar or Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness and acidity. Honey is not vegan. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan alternatives.
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (same as marinade): Enhances the nutty sesame flavor in the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (same as marinade): Thickens the sauce to a glossy, stir fry consistency.
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar (same as marinade): Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated (same as marinade): Adds aromatic warmth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced (same as marinade): Adds savory depth to the sauce.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes or Sriracha: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

For Serving (Optional Garnishes):

• Cooked Rice or Noodles: For serving the stir fry over. White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or egg noodles (if not vegetarian) or rice noodles are all good options.
• Sesame Seeds, toasted: For garnish, adding visual appeal and nutty flavor.
• Chopped Green Onions: For fresh garnish and mild onion flavor.
• Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce: For extra heat at the table, for those who like it spicy.

By gathering these fresh, high-quality ingredients, you’ll be well-prepared to create a truly delicious and authentic Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry that your family will love.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Griddle Stir Fry Success

Follow these detailed instructions to create a mouthwatering Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry on your outdoor griddle. We’ll walk you through each step, from marinating the chicken to achieving that perfect griddle sizzle.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (At Least 30 Minutes, Ideally Longer)

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and black pepper. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid clumps.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly, ensuring every piece is well covered.
3. Marinate Time: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor and more tender chicken, marinate for up to 4 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times are especially beneficial for chicken breasts, which can tend to dry out if overcooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce (While Chicken Marinates)

1. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Slice the onion and bell peppers, cut the broccoli into florets, julienne or slice the carrots, and trim the snow peas. Keep all the prepared vegetables organized and ready to go.
2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), sesame oil, cornstarch, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. If using red pepper flakes or sriracha, add them to the sauce as well. Whisk until the cornstarch is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Blackstone Griddle

1. Preheat the Griddle: Turn on your Blackstone griddle and preheat it to medium-high heat. You want the griddle surface to be hot enough to sear the chicken and vegetables quickly, but not so hot that they burn before cooking through. A temperature of around 350-400°F (175-200°C) is ideal.
2. Oil the Griddle: Once the griddle is hot, add about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or canola oil to the griddle surface. Use a spatula or paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the cooking area. This prevents sticking and promotes even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken on the Griddle

1. Add Chicken to Griddle: Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot griddle in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the griddle, as this can lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
2. Sear and Cook Chicken: Let the chicken sear for 2-3 minutes per side without moving it, allowing it to develop a nice golden-brown crust. Then, stir and flip the chicken pieces and continue to cook until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness if you are unsure.
3. Remove Chicken (Temporarily): Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the griddle and set aside in a clean bowl. Cover loosely to keep warm. You can wipe down the griddle surface with a spatula or paper towel if there are any browned bits left behind before adding the vegetables.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables on the Griddle

1. Add Vegetables to Griddle: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the griddle surface if needed. Add the onions and bell peppers to the hot griddle. Stir fry them for 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften and become slightly tender-crisp.
2. Add Harder Vegetables: Add the broccoli and carrots to the griddle. Continue to stir fry for another 3-4 minutes, until these vegetables are also tender-crisp.
3. Add Softer Vegetables: Add the snow peas (or sugar snap peas) and any other softer vegetables you are using (like mushrooms, zucchini, etc.) to the griddle. Stir fry for just 1-2 minutes more, until they are heated through and still retain some crispness. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, not mushy.

Step 6: Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Sauce on the Griddle

1. Return Chicken to Griddle: Return the cooked chicken to the griddle with the stir-fried vegetables.
2. Pour in Stir Fry Sauce: Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables on the griddle.
3. Stir Fry and Thicken Sauce: Stir everything together to combine the chicken, vegetables, and sauce evenly. Continue to stir fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through, thicken, and coat the chicken and vegetables beautifully. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate in the heat and create a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish (Enjoy Immediately!)

1. Serve Hot: Remove the Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry from the griddle and serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. Offer Extra Sauce/Heat (Optional): Serve with extra soy sauce, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who want to adjust the flavor or spice level to their liking.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry right in your backyard. Enjoy the sizzle, the aroma, and the delicious flavors of this griddle-cooked family favorite!

Nutrition Facts: A Balanced and Flavorful Meal

Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry is not only incredibly tasty but also offers a balanced nutritional profile. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving (based on a serving size of about 1.5 cups of stir fry, without rice or noodles), keeping in mind that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups (Stir Fry only, excluding rice/noodles)

Approximate Calories per Serving: 350-450 calories

Macronutrients (Approximate):

• Protein: 30-40 grams
  • Excellent source of lean protein from chicken, essential for muscle building, repair, and satiety.
• Fat: 15-25 grams
  • Includes healthy fats from sesame oil and vegetable oil. The fat content can vary depending on the type of chicken used (breasts are leaner than thighs) and the amount of oil used for cooking.
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
  • Carbohydrates primarily come from the vegetables and the brown sugar (or honey) in the sauce.
• Fiber: 5-7 grams
  • Good source of dietary fiber from the variety of vegetables, promoting digestive health and satiety.

Micronutrients (Significant Sources – Varies based on vegetables used):

• Vitamins:
  • Vitamin C: Excellent source, especially from bell peppers and broccoli, important for immune function and antioxidant protection.
  • Vitamin A: From carrots and bell peppers, crucial for vision, immune health, and cell growth.
  • Vitamin K: From broccoli and leafy green vegetables (if added), essential for blood clotting and bone health.
  • B Vitamins: Chicken is a good source of various B vitamins, important for energy metabolism and nervous system function.
• Minerals:
  • Potassium: From bell peppers and broccoli, important for blood pressure regulation and muscle function.
  • Iron: From chicken, crucial for oxygen transport and energy levels.
  • Manganese: From ginger and whole grains (if served with brown rice), involved in antioxidant defense and bone formation.

Health Benefits of Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry:

• Lean Protein Source: Provides a significant amount of lean protein from chicken, supporting muscle health and satiety.
• Rich in Vegetables: Packed with a variety of colorful vegetables, offering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Relatively Low in Fat (Depending on Preparation): Can be made with lean chicken breasts and controlled oil usage to keep fat content moderate.
• Good Source of Fiber: The vegetables contribute a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and fullness.
• Customizable: Easily customizable with different vegetables and protein sources to suit dietary preferences and needs.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Delicious and satisfying, making it a healthy and enjoyable way to eat your vegetables and protein.

Note: For more precise nutrition information, especially if you make substitutions or adjust ingredient quantities, you can use online nutrition calculators or apps to input your specific recipe. This nutritional overview highlights the balanced and healthy nature of Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry, making it a great choice for a nutritious and flavorful family meal.

Preparation Time: Quick Cooking for Busy Evenings

One of the biggest advantages of Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry is its speed and efficiency, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate time involved in preparing and cooking this dish:

Total Preparation Time (Excluding Marinating): Approximately 30-40 minutes

Breakdown:

• Chicken Marinating: 30 minutes to 4 hours (passive time, can be done ahead)
• Vegetable Prep (Washing, Chopping, Slicing): 15-20 minutes
• Sauce Preparation: 5 minutes
• Griddle Preheat Time: 5-7 minutes
• Chicken Cooking Time on Griddle: 8-10 minutes
• Vegetable Stir Fry Time on Griddle: 8-10 minutes
• Combining and Sauce Thickening on Griddle: 2-3 minutes

Tips for Speeding Up Preparation:

• Marinate Chicken in Advance: Marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning and store it in the refrigerator. This significantly reduces prep time on cooking day.
• Pre-chop Vegetables: Chop or slice your vegetables in advance, even a day or two ahead, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Pre-chopped vegetables are also available in many grocery stores for extra convenience.
• Use Pre-minced Ginger and Garlic: While fresh is best, using pre-minced ginger and garlic from jars can save a few minutes of prep time.
• Efficient Workflow: While the griddle is preheating and the chicken is cooking, you can be preparing the sauce and getting your serving rice or noodles ready simultaneously.
• Simplify Vegetables: If you are really pressed for time, you can simplify the vegetable mix by using fewer types of vegetables or choosing vegetables that require minimal prep, like pre-cut broccoli florets or baby carrots.

Even with vegetable chopping and chicken marinating (which mostly requires passive time), the active cooking time on the Blackstone griddle is very quick. This Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry is a fantastic option for a delicious, healthy, and fast meal that fits into even the busiest schedules.

How to Serve: Enjoying Your Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry

Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous delicious ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you create a complete and enjoyable meal experience:

Serving Styles:

• Classic Bowl: Serve the stir fry hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice (white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all excellent choices). This is the most traditional and comforting way to enjoy stir fry.
• Noodle Bowls: Serve over your favorite noodles. Egg noodles (for non-vegetarians), rice noodles, ramen noodles, or even lo mein noodles work wonderfully.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, lower-carb option, serve the stir fry in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce leaves). This is a refreshing and flavorful way to enjoy the stir fry, especially in warmer weather.
• Stir Fry Salad: Cool down leftover stir fry and toss it with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette dressing, and perhaps some crunchy toppings like toasted almonds or sesame sticks for a flavorful and unique salad.

Side Dish Pairings:

• Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Serve with fresh spring rolls or crispy egg rolls for a classic Asian appetizer pairing.
• Dumplings or Gyoza: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings or gyoza complement the stir fry beautifully.
• Miso Soup or Hot and Sour Soup: A light and flavorful soup like miso soup or hot and sour soup makes a great starter.
• Edamame: Steamed or roasted edamame pods are a healthy and easy side dish.
• Asian-inspired Salad: A cucumber salad, seaweed salad, or a slaw with an Asian vinaigrette would pair nicely.

Beverage Pairings:

• Green Tea or Jasmine Tea: Classic and refreshing pairings that complement Asian flavors.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Cool and refreshing beverages, especially good if serving outdoors on a warm day.
• Light Beer or Asian Beer: Pairs well with stir fry flavors, especially lighter lagers or Asian beers.
• Sake or Plum Wine: For a more authentic Asian dining experience, consider serving sake or plum wine (served chilled).
• Sparkling Water with Lime or Ginger: A light and refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate.

Serving Occasions:

• Weeknight Family Dinner: Quick and easy enough for a satisfying weeknight meal.
• Casual Weekend Dinner: Perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner on the patio or deck.
• Grilling Party or BBQ: A great addition to a grilling party or BBQ menu, offering a flavorful and healthy option alongside grilled meats.
• Potlucks or Gatherings: Stir fry is easily scalable and can be a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks or casual gatherings.
• Leftovers for Lunch: Leftover stir fry makes a fantastic and flavorful lunch the next day.

By considering these serving suggestions, you can create a complete and enjoyable dining experience around your delicious Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry, whether you’re having a casual family meal or entertaining guests.

Additional Tips: Mastering Your Blackstone Stir Fry

Want to elevate your Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry from good to absolutely amazing? Here are five additional tips to help you master griddle stir fry cooking:

1. Control the Heat Zones: Utilize the heat zones of your Blackstone griddle effectively. Keep one burner on medium-high for searing the chicken and stir-frying vegetables, and another burner on low or off to keep cooked chicken and vegetables warm without overcooking while you finish the stir fry in batches. This allows for efficient cooking and prevents burning.
2. Prep Everything Beforehand (Mise en Place): Stir fry cooking is fast-paced. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go – chopped vegetables, marinated chicken, sauce mixed, rice cooked – is crucial for a smooth and efficient cooking process. This culinary principle, known as “mise en place,” is essential for stir fry success.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Avoid overcrowding the griddle surface when cooking the chicken and vegetables. Overcrowding lowers the griddle temperature and leads to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less flavorful and less texturally appealing stir fry. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything sears and stir-fries properly.
4. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch to the sauce mixture (start with an extra half teaspoon). If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or water. The cornstarch thickens quickly on the hot griddle, so adjust accordingly and stir continuously while the sauce thickens.
5. Experiment with Marinade and Sauce Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinade and sauce flavor profiles. Try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for sweetness. In the sauce, you can experiment with adding oyster sauce (if not vegetarian), hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, or different types of chili sauce for varying levels of spice and flavor complexity. Citrus zest (orange or lemon) can add brightness, and a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry can enhance the depth of flavor.

By incorporating these additional tips into your Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry cooking, you’ll be well on your way to creating restaurant-quality stir fry right on your griddle, impressing your family and friends with your griddle master skills!

FAQ: Your Questions Answered About Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry to help you confidently create this delicious griddle meal.

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?

A: While fresh vegetables are generally preferred for stir fry for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen vegetables in a pinch. However, it’s important to thaw frozen vegetables completely and drain off any excess water before adding them to the griddle. Frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture when cooked, which can inhibit searing and make the stir fry a bit watery. Consider slightly undercooking frozen vegetables as they tend to become softer than fresh vegetables when stir-fried.

Q2: Can I make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to be vegetarian or vegan. To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply:

• Substitute Chicken: Replace the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed), tempeh (cubed), or seitan (wheat gluten, sliced). You can marinate these plant-based protein sources similarly to the chicken.
• Use Vegetable Broth: Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the stir fry sauce.
• Vegan Sweetener: If using honey in the sauce, substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar to make it vegan.
• Optional Vegan “Oyster” Sauce: For a deeper umami flavor in a vegan version, you can add a tablespoon of vegan “oyster” sauce (made from mushrooms) to the sauce.

Q3: How do I adjust the spice level of this stir fry?

A: You can easily customize the spice level of your Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry to suit your preference:

• For Mild Spice: Omit the red pepper flakes or sriracha from the sauce completely.
• For Medium Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (about 1/4 teaspoon) or 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who want to add more heat at the table.
• For Hot Spice: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce to your desired level of heat. You can also add a minced fresh chili pepper (like a jalapeño or serrano pepper) to the vegetables while stir-frying for extra spice.

Q4: How do I store leftover Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry?

A: Leftover Blackstone Chicken Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best quality, store the stir fry separately from cooked rice or noodles. Reheat the stir fry in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The texture of the vegetables may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q5: What’s the best way to clean my Blackstone griddle after cooking stir fry?

A: Cleaning your Blackstone griddle after cooking stir fry is relatively simple:

1. Scrape off Food Debris: While the griddle is still warm (but not scalding hot), use a metal spatula or scraper to scrape off any food residue and grease into the grease trap.
2. Squirt with Water (Optional): If there’s stubborn residue, you can squirt a small amount of water onto the hot griddle surface. The steam will help to loosen stuck-on bits. Use your spatula to scrape again.
3. Wipe Clean: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to wipe the griddle surface clean, removing any remaining residue and excess oil.
4. Oil Seasoning (Optional): After cleaning, it’s a good practice to apply a very thin layer of cooking oil (like vegetable oil or Blackstone seasoning oil) to the griddle surface while it is still slightly warm. This helps to prevent rust and maintain the seasoning of your griddle. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean paper towel.

Regular cleaning and seasoning will keep your Blackstone griddle in top condition and ready for your next delicious griddle cooking adventure!

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