Sichuan-Style Chicken with Peanuts
(from Amanda_Rose’s recipe box)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Serves 2 people
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Chinkiang rice vinegar, (see Note) or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more to taste
- CHICKEN
- 1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon Shao Hsing rice wine, (see Note) or dry sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 1/2-inch-thick slices ginger, smashed
- 1 cups sugar snap peas, (8 ounces)
- 1/8 cup dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 scallion, minced
Directions
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To prepare Sichuan sauce: Whisk broth, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch and crushed red pepper to taste in a small bowl.
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To prepare chicken: Combine chicken, rice wine (or sherry), soy sauce, cornstarch and garlic in a medium bowl; mix thoroughly.
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Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or large skillet over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Swirl oil into the pan, add ginger and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Carefully add the chicken mixture, spreading it out. Cook until the chicken begins to brown, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, stir-fry for 30 seconds. Spread the chicken out again and cook for 30 seconds. Continue stir-frying until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Add snap peas and stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir the Sichuan Sauce, swirl it into the pan and stir-fry until the chicken is just cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a platter (discard the ginger) and sprinkle with peanuts and scallions. Serve immediately.