SICHUAN CHILI "CHICKEN" | VEGAN HIDE & SEEK 'CHICKEN' RECIPE | 辣子鸡 làzǐ jī | Mary's Test Kitchen

dried red chilies

🥗Healthier: fresh chili peppers

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Fresh chili peppers provide a similar heat level with more freshness.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: tamari

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while maintaining flavor.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option with a different flavor profile.

cornstarch

🥗Healthier: arrowroot powder

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Arrowroot powder is a gluten-free thickener.

Welcome to Mary's Test Kitchen, where we're making Vegan Hide and Seek Chicken.

Using Tofurky's slow roasted chick'n as the base, you can also use Gardien scallopini or Beyond Meat Chicken strips.

For a different texture, add shimei mushrooms to the mix.

Add a little Shaoxing wine for flavor, or leave it out if you prefer.

Add light soy sauce and mix everything together.

Add cornstarch to help create a crispy exterior for the vegan chicken and mushrooms.

Prepare aromatics: use whole Sichuan peppercorns, doubanjiang, garlic, ginger, and green onions.

Measure out sesame seeds and brown sugar, and a heaping cup of whole dried red chilies.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet, enough to generously coat the bottom.

Add a layer of mushrooms and vegan chicken, spacing them out to avoid overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.

Check for browning, and flip the pieces to ensure even cooking. Remove from heat when done, keeping in mind residual cooking.

Toast Sichuan peppercorns in the same pan, then add doubanjiang and stir-fry to open up the flavors.

Add sliced garlic, chopped ginger, and the light green and white parts of the green onions. Toss around and add a little water if the paste sticks.

After a minute, add the dried chilies. Cut them open if you want to increase the heat.

Return the vegan chicken and mushrooms to the pan, balance flavors with brown sugar, and add sesame seeds and Shaoxing wine.

Toss everything to combine and turn off the heat.

Finish with the dark green parts of the green onion and fold them in.

Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy with plain steamed rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens