The Sichuan pepper chicken is a traditional Chinese dish, originating from the Sichuan region. It is a spicy and flavorful dish, characterized by a unique and unmistakable taste. The flavor of the Sichuan pepper chicken comes from the use of Sichuan pepper, a spice that gives the dish a spicy note and a slightly bitter and citrus aftertaste. Sichuan pepper is a very particular spice, which is not easy to find in Italy. Alternatively, it can be replaced with ground black pepper, but the taste of the dish will be slightly different. In addition to Sichuan pepper, Sichuan pepper chicken also contains other simple and easily available ingredients, such as chicken breast, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Sichuan pepper chicken is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with rice, noodles, or even with a simple salad.
The recipe for Sichuan pepper chicken is very simple and quick to prepare. Here are the steps to follow:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Rest time: 2 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 123.49 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 0.56 (g) of which sugars 0.43 (g)
- Proteins 26.19 (g)
- Fat 1.91 (g) of which saturated 0.48 (g)of which unsaturated 1.38 (g)
- Fibers 0.01 (g)
- Sodium 65.74 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 175 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- to taste fresh ginger (Grated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Tools
- 1 Pan
Steps
To prepare Sichuan pepper chicken, cut the chicken breast into small pieces. A medium size of about 0.6 inches on each side is ideal for even cooking and a tender texture. For a softer texture, choose smaller pieces (0.4 inches on each side), while if you prefer a crunchier texture, cut them larger (0.8 inches on each side).
Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the Sichuan pepper and toast for 1-2 minutes, or until it starts to release its aroma. If you prefer a more intense and pronounced flavor, toast instead for 3-4 minutes.
Add the chicken pieces to the toasted Sichuan pepper and sauté for a few minutes, until the chicken begins to change color.
Then add the rest of the ingredients, starting with the freshly grated ginger, finely grated fresh garlic, a pinch of black pepper, soy sauce, and sugar. Cook over medium heat with the lid on for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced well and the chicken is tender and cooked.
Finally, when the soy sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. This way, the flavors will blend better. Plate and serve with white rice or vegetables of your choice.
The Sichuan pepper chicken is ready to be served, hot and steaming. For an extra touch, you can add some chopped cilantro leaves.
Enjoy your meal from DadCook!
Drinks to Pair with Sichuan Pepper Chicken:
Sichuan pepper chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish, with a complex taste that combines the flavors of chicken, Sichuan pepper, ginger, and garlic.
In general, aromatic and soft white wines, such as Gewürztraminer or dry Moscato, pair well with spicy dishes. These wines have an acidity that helps balance the heat of the spices, and their fruity and floral aromas can enhance the flavors of the dish.
Here are some specific wine pairing suggestions for Sichuan pepper chicken:
Gewürztraminer: This aromatic white wine is made from the Gewürztraminer grape, which has a characteristic taste of exotic fruits, such as lychee, mango, and passion fruit. Gewürztraminer is a good pairing for Sichuan pepper chicken because its fruity flavor can enhance the dish’s flavors. Dry Moscato: This aromatic white wine is made from the Moscato grape, which has a characteristic taste of citrus and flowers. Dry Moscato is a good pairing for Sichuan pepper chicken because its acidity can help balance the heat of the spices. Sauvignon Blanc: This aromatic white wine is made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, which has a characteristic taste of citrus, like lime and grapefruit. Sauvignon Blanc is a good pairing for Sichuan pepper chicken because its fruity and tangy flavor can enhance the dish’s flavors.
Alternatively, one might also opt for a beer, which can be a good choice to accompany spicy dishes. A light and refreshing beer, such as a Pilsner or a Helles, can be a good pairing for Sichuan pepper chicken because its freshness can help refresh the mouth after a spicy bite. Lastly, one might also opt for a non-alcoholic beverage, like tea or coffee. A black tea or strong coffee can be a good pairing for Sichuan pepper chicken because their intense flavors can help balance the heat of the spices.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use extra virgin olive oil instead of sesame oil?
Yes, you can use extra virgin olive oil instead of sesame oil for Sichuan pepper chicken. However, sesame oil has a distinctive flavor that might contribute to the authentic taste of the dish, so you might notice a slight difference in the final result.
