Chinese Pepper Chicken is a spicy, savory dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a fiery blend of Sichuan peppers and chili peppers. This dish is a favorite among those who love a bit of heat in their meals, and it’s a great way to introduce Sichuan cuisine’s unique flavors to your kitchen. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Chinese Pepper Chicken.
Ingredients
To make Chinese Pepper Chicken, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s a detailed list:
Chicken: 500 grams (about 1.1 pounds) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but breasts are leaner.
Sichuan Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon. These provide a unique, slightly numbing flavor and aroma.
Red Chili Peppers: 10-15, depending on your preference for spice, finely chopped or sliced. Use fresh chili peppers for the best flavor.
Garlic: 5 cloves, finely minced. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped or grated. Ginger brings a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Green Onions: 3, finely chopped. Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a nice color contrast.
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. Soy sauce provides saltiness and a rich, savory taste.
Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry: 1 tablespoon. This adds a touch of sweetness and complexity.
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil brings a nutty, aromatic flavor.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. This helps to thicken the sauce.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, about 3-4 tablespoons.
Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon, optional, to balance the flavors.
Salt: To taste. Salt enhances the flavors of the dish.
White Pepper: A pinch, for extra spice and flavor.
Preparation Tools
Knife: For chopping chicken, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and green onions.
Cutting Board: For preparing the ingredients.
Mixing Bowl: For marinating the chicken.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Wok or Large Frying Pan: For cooking the dish over high heat.
Slotted Spoon: For removing the chicken from the oil.
Whisk: For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the process of making Chinese Pepper Chicken.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken thighs, you may want to trim off any excess fat. Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.
Next, toast the Sichuan peppercorns in a small, dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, transfer the peppercorns to a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and grind them coarsely. You want some of the peppercorns to remain whole for texture.
Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of white pepper to the chicken pieces. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will help the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Prepare the Ingredients
While the chicken is marinating, finely chop or slice the red chili peppers, mince the garlic, chop the ginger, and finely chop the green onions. Set these aside in separate bowls for easy access during cooking.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil. You want the oil to be hot enough for deep-frying. Test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken in; it should sizzle immediately.
Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil, spreading them out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels. Set the cooked chicken aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same wok or frying pan, pour out most of the oil, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the minced garlic and chopped ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped red chili peppers and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers start to soften and release their flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic, ginger, or chili peppers, as this will make the dish bitter.
Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon of sugar. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute, until slightly thickened.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the wok or frying pan, stirring gently to coat them with the spicy sauce. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the wok, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desir
Finish and Serve
Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another 30 seconds. The green onions will add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a nice color contrast to the dish.
Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed. Remember that the flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, so it’s better to err on the side of under-seasoning slightly.
Transfer the Chinese Pepper Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Pepper Chicken
Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken helps the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chili peppers, garlic, and ginger will provide the best flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking will make the chicken dry and tough. Cook it until just golden brown and cooked through.
Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the number of chili peppers to your preference for spice.
Use a Hot Wok: Cooking in a hot wok over high heat ensures that the chicken stays juicy and the sauce caramelizes beautifully.
Conclusion
Chinese Pepper Chicken is a spicy, savory dish that brings together the unique flavors of Sichuan cuisine. With its combination of fiery chili peppers, aromatic Sichuan peppercorns, and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. By following the step-by-step instructions and tips provided, you can make delicious Chinese Pepper Chicken at home that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this dish a try today!
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