Beijing cuisine offers a delightful range of flavors and textures, with its stirfried chicken cubes being a standout dish. Easy to replicate at home, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese cooking while allowing for personal creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
500g chicken breast, cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
23 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumbsized piece of ginger, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Preparation Steps:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by marinating the cubed chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 1520 minutes. This will tenderize the chicken and help thicken the sauce during cooking.
2. Prep the Vegetables:
While the chicken marinates, wash and chop the vegetables: bell pepper, carrot, and prepare the garlic and ginger. The freshness of the vegetables adds color and nutrition to the dish.
3. Heat Up the Wok:
In a large wok or pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. The key to a successful stirfry is a hot cooking surface that quickly cooks the ingredients, locking in their flavors and textures.
4. StirFry the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken to the wok. Stirfry for about 57 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to keep the chicken moving to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Add Aromatics:
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stirfry for an additional minute until fragrant, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
6. Incorporate the Vegetables:
Next, add the diced bell pepper and julienned carrots. Stirfry for about 23 minutes. You want them to remain crisp and vibrant.
7. Create the Sauce:
Drizzle the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is cooked and combined nicely, transfer the stirfried chicken cubes to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
This simple, yet flavorful stirfried chicken cubes dish embodies the spirit of Beijing cuisine. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress guests at a gathering. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal.