Chinese Empress Chicken
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I'm absolutely thrilled to present to you a regal and flavorful Chinese dish that will transport your taste buds to a realm of culinary delight: Empress Chicken. As an experienced chef and passionate food blogger, I'm excited to share this recipe with you, showcasing the perfect harmony of succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and a tantalizing sauce. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey fit for royalty!
Equipment
- 1 wok
- 1 bowl
- 1 cooling rack or paper towels
Ingredients
For marinade
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
For sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cooking oil
- 10 dried hot red peppers or according to taste
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns Chinese coriander
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 4 cups rice for serving
Instructions
- Mix the chicken, cornstarch, and soy sauce in a bowl. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients for the sauce and set it aside.
- When the chicken is ready, heat a wok over high heat. Add the oil and fry the marinated chicken until browned. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove it to a cooling rack or paper towels.
- Remove any oil from the wok in excess of 2 tablespoons.
- Sauté the dried peppers and Sichuan peppercorns for about 30 seconds.
- Return the pre-fried chicken to the wok. Add the ginger and stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Stir in the sauce and cook until thickened.
- Serve hot, with rice.
Video
Notes
Empress Chicken begins with tender chicken pieces, marinated in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder. This marinade infuses the chicken with a symphony of flavors, creating a delightful balance between savory and aromatic notes. To achieve tender and juicy results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. It's this attention to detail that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.