Receta Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Chicken (Yan Su Ji)
Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Chicken, Basil Peppercorn Chicken or Yan Su Ji is a type of fried chicken very popular as a street food in Taiwan. Usually found on night markets this dish is one of the must try dishes when you visit Taiwan. Though it might sound just like another fried chicken well it is not as it has something special to offer. Like popcorn chicken it is prepared in small bite sized pieces, then coated with some sort of starch usually sweet potato or corn starch, seasoned with salt, pepper and five spice then traditionally cooked twice, first in very hot oil to lock the juices in, then on a low heat oil with basil to complete the cooking process. While in its most common form only salt, pepper and five spice are used as a seasoning modern iterations may include allspice, seaweed powder, mustard powder or any flavouring possible, there are even filled version where honey or cheese are stuffed inside. Today we will be making the basic version, while the seasoning plays a part in making this delicious the key to making it awesome is cooking it twice, this makes sure that your chicken is juicy inside and with the perfect crunch on the outside.Taiwanese Salt and Pepper Chicken (Yan Su Ji) Save PrintPrep time Cook time Total time Serves: 3IngredientsChicken500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into small bite sized pieces1 cup sweet potato starch1 small bunch of basil leaves, stems removedoilMarinade2 tbsp light soy sauce1 large egg½ tsp Chinese five spice4 cloves garlic, minced1 tsp white pepper1 tbsp sugar2 tsp salt½ tsp baking sodaSeasoning1 tbsp white pepper½ tsp Chinese five spice½ tsp curry powdersaltInstructionsIn a bowl combine all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken, using your hands mix it well to evenly distribute the marinade. Set aside for 1 hour.Add ½ cup of the sweet potato starch into the bowl with chicken. Mix it again with your hand to evenly distribute the sweet potato starch.Prepare 2 deep fryers or pot with oil, on first fryer set heat it to 180C then on another set it at 150.In a large container that you can cover place the remaining sweet potato starch then add the chicken pieces and close the container. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.While waiting for the oil to heat up combine all seasoning ingredients in a small pan, place in medium-low heat until fragrant. Set it aside.Cook chicken in the 180C oil for 3 minutes or until lightly golden brown in colour. Remove chicken from the fryer set aside for 5 minutes to cool down.On the 150C fryer add the basil leaves followed by the chicken then continue to cook for 3-5 more minute or until cooked, this depends on how large is your chicken pieces. Remove the chicken from the fryer then set aside.Place chicken with the basil on serving platter, sprinkle roasted seasonings on top then serve while hot.3.5.3226 Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Share on Skype (Opens in new window)Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)Like this:Like Loading...