Sichuan Chicken Thighs
4 servings
75 minutes
Sichuan-style chicken thighs are a vibrant dish of Chinese cuisine infused with the aromas of spices and seasonings. Sichuan cuisine is known for its bold flavor combinations, where spicy chili peppers meet the warmth of ginger and the freshness of orange zest. Marinated in soy sauce and rice wine, the thighs gain depth of flavor, while the braising process makes them incredibly tender. A thick caramelized sauce with subtle notes of sesame oil makes this dish a perfect complement to rice or noodles. It's not just food; it's a true gastronomic journey into the heart of Chinese culinary tradition, where the balance of spiciness, sweetness, and umami creates an unforgettable taste experience.
1
First, we make the marinade. We mix water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and rice wine.
- Water: 100 ml
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Mirin: 2 tablespoons
2
We marinate the meat in the fridge for two hours.
3
In a well-heated pan, add sliced ginger, fresh minced chili, and garlic. Also add the zest of one orange. Sauté the vegetables until soft.
- Ginger root: 50 g
- Chili pepper: 1 piece
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Orange zest: 1 piece
4
Then add the thighs to the pan and pour in the marinade. Add sugar and simmer until the meat is cooked over medium heat. The sauce should thicken.
- Chicken thighs: 800 g
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
5
Sprinkle the prepared thighs with soy sauce and season with sesame oil.
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon