Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry is a bold and spicy dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China. Known for its numbing heat and deep umami flavours, this dish is a favourite among lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine. In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step process of making a delicious Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry at home, ensuring that it is both flavourful and SEO-optimized for search engines.
Ingredients Needed for Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry
To make an authentic and mouth-watering Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns (crushed)
- 6-8 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon corn starch (dissolved in 1 tablespoon water)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, coat the sliced chicken with corn starch and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness.
Step 2: Make the Stir-fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and corn starch slurry. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies. Stir-fry until aromatic.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the bell peppers and cooked chicken back into the pan.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for the Best Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and high-quality soy sauce will enhance the overall flavour.
- Velvet the chicken: Coating the chicken with corn starch before cooking keeps it tender and juicy.
- Cook on high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve the signature smoky flavour.
Now that you know how to make Szechuan Chicken Stir-fry at home, give this recipe a try and impress your family with your cooking skills. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you make in the comments below!
