How To Make Salt and Pepper Chinese Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (optional for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 2 spring onions, chopped for garnish
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with soy sauce and rice wine. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Chicken for Frying:
   • Add the beaten egg to the chicken and mix well.
   • Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and mix until the pieces are well-coated.
3. Fry the Chicken:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Seasoning and Vegetables:
   • In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil.
   • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and fresh chilies (if using) and stir-fry until fragrant and the vegetables are slightly softened.
   • Add the salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder and stir well.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the vegetables and seasoning.
   • Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
   • Garnish with chopped spring onions and cilantro.

Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 spring onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • Make sure your rice is cold and separated. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool.
2. Cook the Eggs:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
   • Add the chopped onion and stir-fry until translucent.
   • Add the peas and carrots mix and garlic, and stir-fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Add the cold rice to the pan and stir-fry, breaking up any clumps.
   • Return the scrambled eggs to the pan.
   • Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) and mix well.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped spring onions.
   • Serve hot with the Salt and Pepper Chicken.

Enjoy your homemade Salt and Pepper Chinese Chicken with Fried Rice!