Ziangs Crispy shredded Chilli chicken

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll guide you through making crispy shredded chili chicken, a delicious dish that's perfect for any meal. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and sure to impress your friends and family. Let's dive into the process!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast (approximately 500g)
• Cornstarch (for coating)
• Oil (for frying)
• Dried red chili flakes
• Soy sauce
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced)
• Spring onions (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Practical Tip: Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced for even cooking and to achieve a crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, add the chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. This will help create a crispy exterior when frying.

Common Pitfall: Don't skip the cornstarch; it’s key to achieving that crunchy texture.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. Select Your Frying Pan: Use a deep frying pan or wok.
2. Add Oil: Pour enough oil into the pan to submerge the chicken strips (about 1-2 inches deep).
3. Heat the Oil: Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken in; if it sizzles, it’s ready.

Practical Tip: A thermometer can help you monitor the oil temperature accurately.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
2. Cook Until Golden: Fry for about 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Common Pitfall: Avoid turning the chicken too early; let it form a crust before flipping.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat a New Pan: In another pan, add a tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add Chili Flakes: Stir in dried red chili flakes to taste.
4. Add Soy Sauce: Pour in soy sauce and stir to combine.

Practical Tip: Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your spice preference.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add Chicken to Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the fried chicken strips to the pan.
2. Toss to Coat: Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated with the sauce.
3. Cook for 1-2 Minutes: Allow the chicken to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the crispy shredded chili chicken to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with Spring Onions: Sprinkle chopped spring onions on top for a fresh touch.

Real-World Application: Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.

Conclusion

Now you have a delicious recipe for crispy shredded chili chicken that’s sure to be a hit! Remember to adjust the spice levels to your liking and enjoy the process of cooking. For your next steps, consider exploring other variations or side dishes to complement this recipe. Happy cooking!