Mala chicken (Laziji, 辣子鸡)

mala sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade chili paste

💰Cheaper: hot sauce

Homemade chili paste can be lower in sodium and tailored to taste.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu provides a plant-based option while chicken thighs are often less expensive.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free while liquid aminos is often more affordable.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier and can be used for a different flavor profile.

Cut the chicken into bitesize cubes. Mix with all Group 1 ingredients. Marinate for 20 minutes (or longer if you wish). Remove ginger and spring onion before deep frying.

While waiting, prepare the dried chilli. Break each one into half then remove the seeds.

Heat up oil over a high heat. When the temperature reaches 160°C / 320°F, gently slide in chicken pieces. Fry for 3 minutes or so (when the edges of the chicken lightly brown).

Remove the chicken from the oil. Continue heating up the oil. Put the chicken back in when the oil reaches 180°C / 356°F. Fry for 1 minute then take out.

Leave about 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok. Fry ginger, garlic and Sichuan pepper over a medium low heat for 1 minute. Add dried chillies. Retain the heat level and fry until fragrant (do not burn).

Stir in chicken pieces. Add soy sauce, sugar and rice wine. Cook a further 2 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds and spring onion. Give everything a quick stir then dish out.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens