Here is the complete recipe for making Black Pepper Chicken:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons chicken broth
* 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the ingredients:** Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to help tenderize the meat.
2. **Coat the chicken:** In a shallow dish, mix together the black pepper, sugar, garlic, and soy sauce. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. **Dredge the chicken:** In a separate shallow dish, mix together the cornstarch and Shaoxing wine. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
4. **Heat the wok:** Heat the wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.
5. **Add the chicken:** Add the coated chicken pieces to the wok and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
6. **Make the sauce:** In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. **Combine the chicken and sauce:** Add the cooked chicken back into the wok and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
8. **Garnish and serve:** Serve the Black Pepper Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and additional black pepper if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use fresh black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper is essential for the best flavor. You can also adjust the amount of black pepper to your taste.
* **Don't overcook the chicken:** Cook the chicken until it's just cooked through, so it stays juicy and tender.
* **Experiment with chili flakes:** Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat, or adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
* **Add some acidity:** Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
* **Try different ingredients:** Swap the soy sauce with tamari or nama shoyu for a gluten-free option. Use rice vinegar or white wine instead of Shaoxing wine for a different flavor profile.
**Other versions:**
* **Kung Pao Chicken:** Add 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, 1/4 cup diced bell peppers, and 1 tablespoon seedless cucumber to the wok with the chicken. Stir in 1 tablespoon Sichuan pepper and 1 tablespoon chili oil for added heat.
* **Sesame Chicken:** Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the wok with the chicken and sauce. Stir in 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon chopped scallions for garnish.
* **Honey Garlic Chicken:** Add 1 tablespoon honey and 1 clove minced garlic to the sauce mixture. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish.
* **Black Pepper Shrimp:** Use large shrimp instead of chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon zest to the sauce mixture for added brightness.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic Black Pepper Chicken!
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