Hello! Have you been craving for a new chicken dish? Well, then get ready to jump on an amazing chicken journey that promises to awaken your taste buds and have you yearning for more. Buckle up as we explore the world of flavours with our Hunan Chicken Stir-Fry!
Imagine this: tender chicken strips, a rainbow of colourful vegetables, and a blend of strong, flavorful spices coming together to create a Hunan chicken masterpiece right inside your wok. Prepare yourself, because after this, your kitchen is going to be the most popular place to eat in town!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sliced chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of versatile vegetable oil (to be used at different stages)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
- 1 red bell pepper, artfully sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly cut to perfection
- 1 cup of crisp snow peas, finely trimmed
- 3 sprightly green onions, sliced with finesse
- 2 tablespoons of the fiery Hunan chilli sauce (adjust to your spice threshold)
- A bed of fragrant cooked rice, to be paired with Hunan chicken.
How to Make Hunan Chicken?
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, create a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil. Add your thinly sliced chicken in this saucy marinade, allowing it to sit and absorb the flavours for a minimum of 15 minutes.
2. Fry the Chicken in the Wok:
In the wok, warm up one tablespoon of vegetable oil over a high heat. When oil begins to sizzle, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it until it turns a beautiful golden-brown colour. Your fried chicken will be used later in the recipe, so be patient with it and resist the urge to sneak a bite.
3. Add Your Vegetables:
Without letting the wok cool down, introduce another tablespoon of oil. Let the minced garlic and grated ginger fry together to create a sizzling aroma, captivating your senses.
Toss in the red and green bell peppers, snow peas, and half of the green onions. Stir-fry this rainbow of veggies until they get the perfect state of tender crisp.
4. Prepare the Star of the Dish- Hunan Sauce:
To make a mouthwatering Hunan sauce, begin by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chilli garlic sauce, and oyster sauce in a bowl. Add a hint of sweetness and richness by adding brown sugar and sesame oil to the mix. Ensure the sauce achieves the perfect consistency by creating a slurry with cornstarch and water, then integrating it into the mixture. In a heated pan with vegetable oil, pour the mixture in and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
5. Bring the Heat:
Time to elevate the spice level! Add your freshly made Hunan chilli sauce into the vegetables mixture, adjusting the quantity based on your desired level of heat. Mix the vegetables in the sauce nicely and gently so that all vegetables are covered in the delicious sauce.
6. Bring it All Together:
Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the wok already filled with Hunan sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together, allowing the chicken and veggies to embrace each other. Mix everything together for 3-4 minutes so that the flavours of the veggies and chicken blend together nicely complimenting each other.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate this masterpiece over a bed of steamed rice, sprinkling it with the remaining green onions to enhance the look of the dish.
Get ready to enjoy the flavorful, savoury, and incredibly fulfilling dish that is Hunan chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Hunan Chicken:
Q1: What differentiates Hunan Chicken from other stir-fried chicken recipes?
Hunan chilli sauce plays a major role in creating the spicy flavour profile that sets Hunan Chicken apart. This differentiates it from other stir-fry recipes by producing a spicy, fragrant blend of flavours.
Q2: Can I adjust the Hunan Chicken’s spice level to my preferred level?
Of course! To suit your desired level of spice, reduce the Hunan chilli sauce according to your preferred amount. To create a dish that your palate will love, start with a small amount and progressively add more.
Q3: Is there a certain chicken cut that is ideal for Hunan Chicken?
Typically, chicken breast is used to make Hunan Chicken due to its tender texture and ability to absorb flavours. However, you can experiment with other cuts like thighs or a combination for added richness.
Q4: How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavour?
Give the chicken at least 15 minutes to soak up the marinade. Increase the length of the marinating time to 30 minutes for a stronger flavour infusion.
Q5: Can I make Hunan Chicken ahead of time?
The meal is finest when eaten fresh, but the chicken can be marinated and prepared ahead of time. Just before serving, stir-fry the chicken and veggies to preserve their texture and bring out the most flavour.
Q6: Are there any tips for getting the stir-fry to have the ideal texture?
Make sure the pan or wok is hot enough before adding ingredients. To keep the heat high and avoid crowding, stir-fry the chicken in tiny batches so that every piece has a deliciously crisp-tender texture.
Q7: How should Hunan Chicken be served?
Steamed rice is typically used as a bed for Hunan chicken. The rice creates a pleasant eating experience by acting as the ideal balance to the dish’s spice.
Q8: Is it possible to alter the vegetables that come with Hunan Chicken recipe?
Of course! You can experiment by using your favourite vegetables or whatever you have in your kitchen. While bell peppers, snow peas, and green onions are traditional options, feel free to experiment and add your own special touches.
Final Note:
Just gather everything you need, fire up the wok, and enjoy the delicious Hunan chicken in the comfort of your own home. You love the deliciousness!
