Craving a fiery dish bursting with flavor and texture? Look no further than this Spicy Stir-fried Chicken with Pickled Bamboo Shoots recipe! This vibrant dish masterfully blends the tender juiciness of chicken with the tangy crunch of pickled bamboo shoots, all enveloped in a rich, spicy sauce. The contrasting textures and tastes create a symphony on your palate – a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor achieved with simple yet impactful ingredients.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks, and requires readily available ingredients. Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure as we guide you through each step, ensuring you create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Ready to start cooking? Let's dive into the detailed instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Chicken thigh: 400 grams
- Pickled bamboo shoots: 150 grams
- Basil leaves
- Curry paste: 50 grams
- Fresh chili peppers
- Salt
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Green soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Cooking oil
- Water
- Kaffir lime leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Prepare the chicken thighs by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the pickled bamboo shoots into smaller pieces.
- Boil the cut bamboo shoots for approximately 5 minutes.
- Pound the fresh chili peppers.
- Mix the curry paste, pounded chili peppers, salt, oyster sauce, green soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and some water in a bowl.
Step 2. Stir-fry Chicken and Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the curry paste and chili peppers until fragrant and slightly yellow.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the boiled bamboo shoots and stir-fry over high heat.
- Add a little water and the prepared sauce mixture.
- Stir-fry until everything is well combined.
Step 4. Finish and Garnish
- Add the kaffir lime leaves.
- Add the basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
- Add more chili peppers for extra spiciness (optional).
- Stir-fry until everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Using chicken thighs results in a juicier and softer dish, but requires removing bones.
- Boiling the bamboo shoots before adding them to the stir-fry helps to remove excess saltiness and clean them.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Add sugar to balance the flavors.
- Adding the chili peppers at the end helps to maintain a brighter color.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bamboo shoots instead of pickled?
While pickled bamboo shoots provide a unique tangy flavor and texture, you can substitute them with fresh bamboo shoots. Just be sure to blanch them first to remove bitterness and adjust the seasoning accordingly, possibly adding more vinegar or lime juice for acidity.
2. How can I make the dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili flakes or chili paste used in the recipe. You can also add a spoonful of sugar or honey to balance the heat, or use a milder chili variety.
This Spicy Stir-fried Chicken with Pickled Bamboo Shoots recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and aromatic fragrance that will elevate your next meal. So, gather your ingredients, and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!