Sichuan Spicy Chicken and Eggplant

Sichuan Spicy Chicken and Eggplant is a fiery and flavorful midnight dish that combines tender chicken with succulent eggplant, enhanced by the bold flavors of Sichuan peppercorns and chili paste. This gluten-free delight is perfect for satisfying late-night cravings with its spicy kick and hearty textures.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast - 300 grams, diced
• Chinese eggplant - 200 grams, sliced into thin rounds
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, minced
• Red chili paste - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce (gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced eggplant and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until softened.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the eggplant. Stir in the red chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
8. Lastly, sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Eggplant is rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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