2.01.2022

Sichuan Chicken

Sichuan chicken is an iconic dish of the Sichuan province cuisine. It consists of pieces of fried chicken that are sautéed in a slightly sweet, spicy sauce flavored with Sichuan pepper, green onions, garlic and dried red chilies. Usually is served with green onion strips and fresh coriander. 



Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 12 oz. chicken fillet , cut into large 1 inch (2,5 cm) dice
  • 2 egg whites
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed Sichuan pepper
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil , for frying

For the sauce

  • 4 dried red peppers , cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground Szechuan pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic , chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
  • 4 scallions , greens and whites separated
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
  • 2 tablespoons red pepper paste
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt , adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro , chopped

Instructions

Chicken

  • In a bowl, add the chicken, salt, pepper, soy sauce and cornstarch.
  • Add the egg white and mix everything well until the chicken is coated.
  • Heat an oil bath in a pan over medium heat.
  • When the oil is moderately hot, delicately immerse the chicken pieces one after the other.
  • Fry them over medium to high heat until golden brown and crispy.
  • Drain, keeping 2 tablespoons of frying oil in the pan and reserve the chicken.

Chicken in sauce

  • In the hot oil, add the dried red peppers and sauté for 1 minute over low to medium heat.
  • Add the garlic, red pepper paste and ginger and brown them over high heat for 30 seconds.
  • Then add the scallion whites and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add the ground Sichuan peppercorns and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Then add the soy sauce, shaoxing wine, sugar, vinegar and very little salt.
  • Mix well.
  • Pour in 4 tablespoons of water and let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly.
  • Taste the sauce and add more chili paste, Sichuan pepper, sugar, salt, or vinegar, to taste.
  • Stir in the fried chicken and stir over high heat for 1 minute until the sichuan sauce coats the chicken well.
  • Sprinkle with ground white pepper and the green of the scallions.
  • Garnish the Szechuan chicken with fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Serve hot with noodles or fried rice.