Szechuan peppercorns have a unique, slightly citrusy flavour that works perfectly alongside the buttery richness of macadamias in this traditional Chinese dish.
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Servings 4
Course Light Meal
Preference Dairy Free
Perfect for Midweek Meal
Skill level Easy
Ingredients
1tbspSzechuan peppercorns
750gchicken thighschopped
1tbspmacadamia oil
2tspmacadamia oilextra
2clovesgarliccrushed
3cmpiece gingerfinely chopped
5spring onionssliced
2tbsptamarior soy sauce
2tspvinegar
2tbspsherryor Shaoxing wine
2tbsphoney
1/2cupcoriander leaves
1tbspcoriander stemsfinely chopped
Macadamia topping
1tbspmacadamia oil
4clovesgarliccrushed
4shallotspeeled and thinly sliced
1tspSzechuan peppercornslightly crushed
1/2cupraw macadamiascoarsely chopped
1dried long red chillisliced thinly
Instructions
Heat a frying pan over high heat. Add the Szechuan peppercorns, reduce heat to medium and dry fry for about 4 minutes, until fragrant. Transfer to a mortar and pestle or a spice blender and crush to a fine powder. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl, sprinkle over the Szechuan peppercorns and stir to combine.
Pour 1 tablespoon of macadamia oil into a wok over high heat. Add the chicken and fry, tossing occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil in the wok, add the garlic and ginger and fry, tossing continuously for 2 minutes, or until lightly golden. Add the spring onions and stir to combine. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sherry and honey in a small bowl. Heat the wok over high heat and pour the mixture in. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Stir in the chicken and garlic mixture and cook for 1 minute to heat through. Place on a serving platter and serve sprinkled with macadamia topping and coriander leaves and stems.
Macadamia topping
Heat the oil in a wok over medium heat and stir-fry all ingredients, tossing continuously for 5 minutes, or until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.