Spicy Chicken（La Zi Ji）
Spicy Chicken, or Laziji, is a classic dish from China's Sichuan province. This dish is renowned for its crispy yet tender chicken, combined with the fiery heat of dried chilies and the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns. Each bite delivers an explosive burst of flavor, making it a must-try for those who love spicy food.
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When making Spicy Chicken (Laziji), pay attention to the following tips to create a more delicious dish that brings this classic Sichuan cuisine to restaurant-quality levels right in your home.
1.Ingredients Selection
Chicken: Choose fresh chicken, using either thigh or breast meat, thigh meat will be more tender.
Dried Chilies: Authentic Chinese dried chilies, such as "Chao Tian Jiao," can be found in Asian grocery stores. If unavailable, local dried chilies can be substituted, but be mindful of the difference in heat levels.
Sichuan Peppercorns: This key ingredient can be found in Asian grocery stores or the international section of larger supermarkets. If not available, consider purchasing online.
2.Marinating Tips
Thorough Marination: Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate it overnight.
Even Cutting: Ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform size for consistent cooking and better texture.
3.Frying Tips
Oil Temperature Control: Maintain the oil temperature at around 300°F when frying the chicken. Too high a temperature can cause the exterior to burn while the inside remains undercooked; too low and the chicken will absorb too much oil.
Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan by frying the chicken in batches. This ensures even cooking and optimal texture.
4.Stir-Frying Tips
Aromatic Spices: When stir-frying the Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies, use medium-low heat to bring out their aroma without burning them.
Garlic and Green Onions: Stir-fry garlic and green onions first to enhance the base flavor of the dish.
5.Seasoning Tips
Seasoning balance: The ratio of light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and other seasonings should be moderate. Adjust the amounts as needed to enhance the flavor.
Gradual seasoning: Add seasonings gradually during the cooking process, tasting as you go to ensure the final flavor is just right.
6.Adding Extra Ingredients
Toasted Peanuts and White Sesame Seeds: For added texture and flavor, include toasted peanuts and white sesame seeds.
Optional Vegetables: Enhance the dish with chunks of green peppers or onions for extra color and flavor.
7.Adapting to Local Tastes
Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns.
Balancing with Sweetness and Acidity: Adding more sugar and vinegar can help balance the spiciness and make the dish more palatable.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Spicy Chicken dish that captures the essence of Sichuan cuisine. Enjoy this unique culinary experience right at home and savor the rich flavors and cultural heritage of this iconic dish.
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- Chicken: Half a chicken (about 1 pound), cut into pieces
ACCESSORIES
- Garlic: 1.75 ounces, chopped into small pieces
- Spring onions: 1 ounce, cut into small segments
- Dried chili peppers: 1 ounce, cut into small pieces
- Sichuan peppercorns: to taste
SEASONINGS
- Cook wine: 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sichuan peppercorn powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Five-spice powder: a pinch
- Additional salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Additional light soy sauce: to taste
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut half a chicken (about 1 pound) into pieces and place them in a bowl.
STEP 2
Marinate the Chicken:
Add 1 tablespoon of cook wine, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorn powder, and a pinch of five-spice powder to the chicken.
Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes.
STEP 3
Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop 1.75 ounces of garlic into small pieces.
Cut 1 ounce of green onions into small segments.
Cut 1 ounce of dried chili peppers into small pieces.
STEP 4
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a pan to about 300°F.
Add the marinated chicken pieces and fry until golden brown.
Remove and drain the excess oil.
STEP 5
Stir-fry the Aromatics:
In the same pan, leave a small amount of oil.
Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the chopped spring onions and continue to stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, stir-frying over medium-low heat until the color deepens but not burnt.
STEP 6
Combine and Cook:
Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan.
Stir-fry evenly to combine.
Season with 1/2 teaspoon of additional salt and some light soy sauce to taste, stirring quickly to coat the chicken evenly.
Tip:
If desired, you can add toasted peanuts and white sesame seeds.
STEP 7
Finish and Serve:
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from the pan.
Tip:
Serve on a plate, garnishing with additional white sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Spicy Chicken（La Zi Ji）
- Main Ingredients:4
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:1.1 kg
-
Energy (calories)：1153 kcal
-
Protein：197.9 g
-
Fat：26.09 g
Why gray?
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Carbohydrates：21.23 g
-
Protein: 73%839 kcal
-
Fat: 20%235 kcal
-
Carbohydrates: 7%81 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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