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.
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.
- Add the ban egg to the chicken. Mix thoroughly. Then add in the cornstarch, making sure that all of the pieces are evenly coated.
- Add the cooking oil to a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for 4 minutes a side.
- 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.
- Season the chicken with the spice mix. Toss with the fried basil leaves.
