Chinese Buffet Black Pepper Chicken Recipe: A Complete Guide to Prepare It at Home
If you're Chinese cuisine lover, you've probably tried Chinese buffet black pepper chicken at least once. This dish is a staple in Chinese buffets and is loved by many for its rich and complex flavour. The dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make at home, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
To make Chinese buffet black pepper chicken, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including chicken breast, black pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The preparation basics involve cutting the chicken into small cubes, dusting them with cornstarch, and dry frying them until golden brown. The black pepper sauce is made separately and then combined with the chicken cubes. The dish is best served hot with steamed rice or noodles.
If you're looking to switch things up, you can also add seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops are great options that pair well with the black pepper sauce. Simply add them to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they are cooked through but not overcooked.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese buffet black pepper chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Essential ingredients for the dish include chicken breast, black pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
- Seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, can be added to the dish for a tasty variation.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese buffet black pepper chicken, there are some essential ingredients that you must have in your kitchen. In this section, we will discuss the chicken selection, vegetable choices, and sauce components that are required for this recipe.
Chicken Selection
The chicken is the star of this dish, and it is important to select the right cut of chicken to get the best results. You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe. However, we recommend using boneless chicken thighs as they are more tender and juicy than chicken breast.
If you want to experiment with seafood, you can use shrimp or prawns as an alternative to chicken.
Vegetable Choices
To add some texture and flavour to your black pepper chicken, you can include vegetables such as onions and bell peppers. These vegetables add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish. You can also add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms to make the dish more colourful and nutritious.
Sauce Components
The sauce is what gives the black pepper chicken its unique flavour. To make the sauce, you will need soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, sugar, salt, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper.
Soy sauce and oyster sauce are the main components of the sauce that give it its umami flavour. Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, while garlic, ginger, and black pepper add a nice aroma and heat. Rice wine and sesame oil are used to enhance the flavour of the sauce.
If you want to add some seafood to your black pepper chicken, you can use shrimp or prawns. They will go well with the black pepper sauce and will add a nice seafood flavour to the dish. However, make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the sauce.
Preparation Basics
Preparing the Chinese buffet black pepper chicken recipe requires some basic preparation steps that are essential to achieving the desired taste and texture. Here are some of the preparation basics you need to follow:
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in preparing the Chinese buffet black pepper chicken recipe is to marinate the chicken. You will need to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavours of the marinade. To marinate the chicken, mix the chicken with soy sauce, corn starch, and black pepper. You can also add some seafood such as shrimp or squid to the marinade to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.
Cutting Techniques
Cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces is essential to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavours of the marinade. To cut the chicken, use a sharp knife and cut it into thin slices. You can also cut the chicken into small cubes if you prefer.
Sauce Preparation
The sauce is one of the most important components of the Chinese buffet black pepper chicken recipe. To prepare the sauce, you will need soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and corn starch. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
To prepare the dish, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan and add the chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for a few minutes until it is cooked through. Then add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce thickens. Serve the Chinese buffet black pepper chicken recipe with rice or noodles.
The preparation of the Chinese buffet black pepper chicken recipe is relatively simple and can be completed in about 15 minutes. By following these basic preparation steps, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Cooking Method
Stir-Frying the Chicken
To start cooking your Chinese buffet black pepper chicken, heat up your wok over high heat. Add some vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the wok's surface. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer and stir-fry until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to flip the chicken pieces and cook the other side. Once the chicken is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate.
Combining Ingredients
Next, add some more vegetable oil to the wok and stir-fry some minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, add some sliced onions, green bell pepper, and Fresno chile peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes until they are slightly softened. If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops.
After the vegetables are cooked, add the chicken back to the wok. Pour in some chicken stock and stir everything together. Add some black pepper and continue to stir-fry until the sauce thickens.
Final Touches
Finally, add some cornstarch slurry to the wok to thicken the sauce further. Stir everything together until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. Serve your Chinese buffet black pepper chicken hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice.
Stir-fry the chicken until golden brown, stir-fry the vegetables, add the chicken back to the wok, pour in chicken stock and black pepper, thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Black pepper chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. If you are serving it as a main course, steamed rice or fried rice are great options to pair with the dish. The fluffy texture of steamed rice complements the bold and spicy flavour of the chicken, while fried rice adds an extra layer of flavour and texture.
If you prefer noodles, you can serve the black pepper chicken with either egg noodles or rice noodles. The soft and chewy texture of the noodles pairs well with the juicy and tender chicken. You can also add some veggies to the noodles to make it a complete meal.
To add some variety to your meal, you can serve the black pepper chicken with some sides. Chinese-style vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas are a great option. You can also serve some spring rolls or dumplings on the side to complement the chicken.
Presentation Tips
To make your black pepper chicken look more appetizing, you can add some garnish to the dish. Chopped green onions or cilantro add a pop of colour and freshness to the dish. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for some added texture.
If you are serving the black pepper chicken as part of a buffet, you can present it in a large bowl or platter. You can also serve it in individual bowls or plates for a more formal setting.
Leftovers of black pepper chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If you have some seafood such as shrimp or scallops, you can add them to the leftover black pepper chicken to create a new dish. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the black pepper sauce, creating a delicious and flavourful meal.
Storage and Reheating
Once you have made your Chinese buffet black pepper chicken, you may find that you have leftovers that you want to store for later. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your dish properly.
Storing
If you have any leftover black pepper chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
When storing your black pepper chicken, make sure that it has cooled down to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent any bacteria from growing.
Reheating
To reheat your black pepper chicken, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe container and heat it for 2-3 minutes or until it is heated through. If using a stovetop, place the chicken in a pan and heat it over medium heat until it is heated through.
Make sure to stir the chicken occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly. If the chicken is too dry, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to it.
Seafood addition
If you want to add seafood to your black pepper chicken recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the dish. You can sauté the shrimp or scallops in a pan with a little bit of oil until they are cooked through. Then, add them to the black pepper chicken sauce and stir to combine.
Adding seafood to your black pepper chicken recipe can give it a unique and delicious flavour. However, make sure to use fresh seafood and cook it properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a simple black pepper chicken like at a buffet?
To make a simple black pepper chicken like at a buffet, you will need boneless chicken, black pepper, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Cut the chicken into small pieces and marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch. Then, stir-fry the chicken in a wok with oil and black pepper until it is cooked through. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the dish for added flavour.
What's the secret to the tender chicken in a Chinese takeaway?
The secret to the tender chicken in a Chinese takeaway is a process called "velveting". Velveting involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch, and rice wine or sherry. This process helps to lock in the moisture and keep the chicken tender and juicy when cooked.
Can you share an authentic recipe for black pepper chicken?
Here is an authentic recipe for black pepper chicken:
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp rice wine or sherry
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a wok or pan over high heat and stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Add the black pepper, bell peppers, and onion and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine or sherry and stir-fry for another minute.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve with rice.
What ingredients go into a traditional Chinese black pepper sauce?
A traditional Chinese black pepper sauce typically consists of soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and garlic. Some recipes may also include additional ingredients like ginger, green onions, or rice wine.
How is velveting used to prepare chicken in Chinese cuisine?
Velveting is a process used to prepare chicken in Chinese cuisine that involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch, and rice wine or sherry. This process helps to lock in the moisture and keep the chicken tender and juicy when cooked.
Is there a way to adapt black pepper chicken to an Indian flavour profile?
Yes, you can adapt black pepper chicken to an Indian flavour profile by adding Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the dish. You can also substitute the soy sauce and oyster sauce with Indian spices like garam masala and curry powder. Additionally, you can use seafood like prawns or fish instead of chicken to give the dish an Indian twist.