Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and pepper chicken is a very common appetizer found in Chinese restaurants. You may even see many other menu items with the salt and pepper name: shrimp, squid, chicken wings, and even tofu. The protein is marinated in a simple garlic/ginger/brown sugar marinade, then dredged in cornstarch. It is then fried then seasoned with a salt and pepper spice mix and garnished with fried basil leaves. That easy.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: appetizer, Chicken, Chinese
Author: Alex Gorgos

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1 1/2” cubes
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 12 large basil leaves

Marinade

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tsp ginger minced
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Spice Mix

  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 1/2 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp five spice powder

Instructions

  • Mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
    Chinese, appetizer, chicken
  • Add the ban egg to the chicken. Mix thoroughly. Then add in the cornstarch, making sure that all of the pieces are evenly coated.
    Chinese, appetizer, chicken
  • Add the cooking oil to a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for 4 minutes a side.
    Chinese, appetizer, chicken
  • When the chicken is done frying, remove any excess fried bits from the oil by scooping them out with a slotted spoon. Add in basil leaves and fry for 1 minute.
    Chinese, appetizer, chicken
  • Season the chicken with the spice mix. Toss with the fried basil leaves.
    Chinese, appetizer, chicken