Black pepper chicken is a classic Asian dish known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with the heat of black pepper and other complementary ingredients to create a dish that's both satisfying and full of depth. Here's how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken pieces in a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and half of the black pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it's cooked and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry until they are slightly softened.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pan and stir well to thicken the sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining black pepper over the dish and stir to combine.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips:
- You can add sliced red chili peppers or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
- Ensure that you do not overcook the vegetables to maintain their crunchiness and vibrant colors.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your sodium intake.
Variations:
- Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
- Add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream to the sauce for a creamier version.
- Experiment with different types of peppercorns for unique flavors, such as Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, excluding rice)- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg