Szechuan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, ground
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the Spices: Add the ground Szechuan peppercorns and chili paste to the pan. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables and stir to combine.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat it with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your Szechuan Chicken with steamed rice or noodles!
Notes:
For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili paste or add dried red chili peppers.
About This Dish:
Szechuan Chicken is a bold and spicy dish featuring the iconic numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns, balanced with a savory-sweet sauce and crisp vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 28g |
User Reviews:
Sophie L.: "This dish packed the perfect amount of heat! My family loved it, and it was easy to prepare."
James K.: "Authentic flavors and a great balance of spice and sweetness. I will definitely make this again!"