How to Make Delicious Shezwan Chicken Noodles at Home
Ingredients:
For Chicken Marinade:
- 250g boneless chicken (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
For Noodles:
- 200g noodles (preferably egg noodles or hakka noodles)
- Water (for boiling noodles)
- Salt (for boiling noodles)
For Shezwan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 green bell pepper (finely chopped)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1-2 green chilies (sliced)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp Shezwan sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped spring onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, salt, and ginger-garlic paste. Toss it all together to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for 20-30 minutes. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors and become tender.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the chicken is marinating, boil the noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 4-5 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Shezwan Sauce
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large pan on medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it’s cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onions, green bell pepper, and carrots for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sautéing for another minute.
Next, add the Shezwan sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sauce, and toss it well. Then, add the boiled noodles and mix everything thoroughly so the noodles are coated with the spicy Shezwan sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything is well combined, serve your Shezwan Chicken Noodles hot, garnished with chopped spring onions for added flavor and color. You’re now ready to enjoy a plate of delicious, spicy noodles right at home!
Why You Should Make Shezwan Chicken Noodles at Home
- Customizable: You can control the spice level to suit your taste by adjusting the amount of Shezwan sauce and chilies.
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors from the Shezwan sauce will excite your taste buds in every bite.
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is a wholesome meal that’s also filling.
Conclusion
Making Shezwan Chicken Noodles at home is simple, fun, and super satisfying. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and heat. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.
So, the next time you’re craving a spicy, savory Indo-Chinese dish, whip up some Shezwan Chicken Noodles and enjoy the magic right in your own kitchen! Happy cooking!