Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices, and one dish that perfectly embodies this is Chinese spicy chicken. Bursting with heat and umami, this dish is a true delight for those who enjoy a fiery kick in their meals. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making Chinese spicy chicken, step by step, so you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of spices!
Chinese Spicy Chicken
Materials
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4-5 dried red chili peppers deseeded and cut into small pieces
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste or chili oil adjust according to your spice tolerance
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste or chili oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you prefer it spicier, add more chili paste or chili oil. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of chili paste.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
Preparing the Spicy Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the dried red chili peppers to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for another minute until the aromatics release their flavors.
- Increase the heat to high and add the marinated chicken to the wok. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Sprinkle the ground Sichuan peppercorns over the chicken and continue to stir-fry for another minute. The Sichuan peppercorns will add a distinctive numbing and citrusy flavor to the dish.
- Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more soy sauce or salt if desired.
- Once the chicken is cooked and well-coated in the spicy sauce, remove it from the heat.
Garnishing and Serving:
- Transfer the spicy chicken to a serving plate or bowl.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a vibrant and refreshing touch.
- Serve the Chinese spicy chicken with steamed rice or noodles to balance out the heat and soak up the flavorful sauce.
- If desired, you can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a small amount of water. Add the slurry to the chicken and sauce mixture during the cooking process, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- For an extra kick of spiciness, consider adding fresh chopped red or green chili peppers along with the dried chili peppers.
If Sichuan peppercorns are not readily available, you can substitute them with crushed red pepper flakes for a similar heat level. - Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to enhance both the flavor and visual appeal.
- To make the dish more authentic, you can include other traditional ingredients like black bean paste, fermented tofu, or doubanjiang (broad bean chili paste).
Conclusion
Chinese spicy chicken is a dish that will awaken your taste buds with its bold flavors and fiery heat. By following these simple steps, you can recreate this authentic and flavorful dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a spice lover or simply looking to explore the world of Chinese cuisine, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the heat, and prepare to enjoy a mouthwatering feast of Chinese spicy chicken!
