Sweet and Hot Pepper Chicken, Asian-Style

Sweet and Hot Pepper Chicken, Asian-Style

We really like this Asian-style dish as a change from the usual stir-fry or sesame chicken dish. It's tomato based rather than soy based and you can adjust the heat level to suit your tastes. As it is, we thought it was just right. The best part of this, aside from the fact that it is a very satisfying meal, is that you can make this fantastic dish in 20-30 minutes, easily! Please enjoy!

Recipe: Sweet and Hot Pepper Chicken, Asian-Style
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2006
Show: Emeril Live
Episode: Far East Hot & Spicy

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch cubes
(we like thigh meat because it's moister)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons minced green onion bottoms
10 dried red chiles
1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and thinly sliced
1 cup sliced yellow onion
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy and cornstarch. Whisk to blend well, and add the chicken to the sauce. Toss to evenly coat the chicken and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

(This would be a good time to start your rice).

In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, stock, chili garlic sauce and sugar. Stir to combine and set aside until ready to use. Place a wok over high heat and add the vegetable oil to the pan. Swirl the wok to be sure to coat well with the oil.

Add the ginger, garlic, green onions, dried chilies and jalapenos to the wok. Cook, stirring often until the garlic is fragrant and the chilies begin to brown, about 20 to 30 seconds. Add the chicken, bell peppers and onions to the pan and stir-fry until the chicken is no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the sauce to the pan and bring to a boil, being sure to toss well in order to coat all the chicken and vegetables evenly, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Sprinkle the sesame seeds, sesame oil and cilantro into the pan and toss to combine. Remove from the heat and serve on a platter with steamed white rice.