**Hunan-Style Chicken: A Culinary Journey to the Heart of Chinese Cuisine**
Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure with Hunan-style chicken, a symphony of flavors that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more. Originating from the vibrant Hunan province of China, this iconic dish is renowned for its bold, spicy, and aromatic profile that perfectly balances the heat of chili peppers with the umami richness of fermented black beans and the tang of vinegar. Our comprehensive guide features three distinct recipes, each capturing the essence of Hunan-style chicken while offering unique variations to suit diverse preferences. From the classic dry pot chicken, where succulent chicken morsels are seared to perfection and tossed in a fiery sauce, to the tantalizing stir-fried chicken with peppers, where tender chicken is combined with an array of colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce, our recipes promise an unforgettable culinary experience. And for those seeking a healthier alternative, we present the steamed chicken with Hunan sauce, where chicken is gently steamed and served with a flavorful Hunan-style sauce, ensuring a delightful and nutritious meal.
HUNAN-STYLE CHICKEN
I hope my dad doesn't read this as I grew up with him cooking some amazing dishes, but this recipe my friend gave me at university fast became by far my favorite and it's easy too!
Provided by Dan
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Stir together the honey, peppercorns, salt, soy sauce, and sherry in a large bowl; add the chicken and toss to coat.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ginger, garlic, red chile pepper, and green onions; cook and stir until fragrant, no more than 30 seconds. Stir in the chicken and soy sauce mixture; fry another 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover. Simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Whisk together the bean sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl; pour over the chicken and stir. Turn heat to high and allow to cook 1 minute. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.2 calories, Carbohydrate 10.3 g, Cholesterol 116.8 mg, Fat 23.4 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 33.4 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 908.2 mg, Sugar 4.9 g
HOT AND SPICY HUNAN-STYLE CHICKEN
This is a dish that I love to make. It is a simple Hunan-style chicken that you will love. If you like a lot of heat, you want to add to the anise pepper. It gives it that warm, deep heat.
Provided by Albert Honaker
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese Main Dishes Chicken
Time 50m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Whisk soy sauce, sherry, and ginger together in a bowl and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator, 15 to 20 minutes.
- While chicken marinates, soak dried chiles in warm water until soft, about 15 minutes.
- Cut chile peppers, shallot, and scallion diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
- Grind anise seed into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl and add chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and salt; mix until well combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add chile peppers and shallot; stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add scallion and stir-fry, 30 seconds more. Add marinade mixture and chicken and stir-fry, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth mixture and mix well.
- Cook over low heat until chicken pieces are tender, no longer pink in the centers, and juices run clear, about 10 minutes. Stir in cornstarch to thicken sauce; serve with chicken.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 580.5 calories, Carbohydrate 19.5 g, Cholesterol 130.7 mg, Fat 32.9 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 49.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.3 g, Sodium 1938.6 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling during the cooking process.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your dish the best flavor. If possible, try to use organic or locally-sourced ingredients.
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and garlic will help to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
- Use a Wok: A wok is the traditional Chinese cooking vessel used to make this dish. If you don't have a wok, you can use a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Cook the Chicken in Batches: If you're using a small wok or skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. This will prevent the chicken from overcrowding and steaming instead of frying.
- Use a High Heat: Hunan-style chicken is traditionally cooked over a high heat. This helps to sear the chicken and create a crispy texture.
- Add the Vegetables Last: The vegetables in this dish should be cooked quickly so that they remain crisp. Add them to the wok or skillet towards the end of the cooking process.
- Serve Immediately: Hunan-style chicken is best served immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the chicken is crispy and the vegetables are still crunchy.
Conclusion:
Hunan-style chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious dish that your family and friends will love. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting recipe, give Hunan-style chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
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