Shaoxing Sizzle

A Historical Dive into the Shaoxing Sizzle

The Shaoxing Sizzle is a dish deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of southern China. Originating from the ancient city of Shaoxing in the Zhejiang province, this dish is revered for its intense flavors and aromatic appeal. Shaoxing is renowned for its unique variety of cooking wines, which date back over two millennia. This regional delicacy harmoniously blends traditional Chinese ingredients infused with the unmistakable taste of Shaoxing wine, creating a sizzle that captivates the senses.

Ingredients for the Shaoxing Sizzle

• Chicken - 500g, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Shaoxing wine - 100ml
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 2-inch piece, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Green onions - 2 stalks, sliced
• Red bell pepper - 1, thinly sliced
• Green bell pepper - 1, thinly sliced
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil - for frying

Preparing for the Shaoxing Sizzle

1. Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, combine the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, ginger, and half of the garlic. Mix thoroughly and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Add the remaining soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, and a dash of sesame oil. Set the sauce aside.

Cooking the Shaoxing Sizzle

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add a generous amount of vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers. Introduce the marinated chicken into the pan and sear it for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through.

2. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil if needed, then toss in the rest of the garlic, green onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper.

3. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender yet retain a crisp bite, about 3-4 minutes. Ensure you maintain high heat to get that desirable sear and sizzle.

4. Reintroduce the cooked chicken back into the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir rapidly to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Check seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off the heat and add a few drops of sesame oil for an aromatic finish.

How to Serve and Enjoy Shaoxing Sizzle

The Shaoxing Sizzle pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, allowing the delightful sauce to soak into the grains. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside some pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the flavors.

To fully enjoy this dish, set the scene with traditional Chinese music or embrace the cultural richness by learning about the history of Shaoxing wine and the region it originates from. This will not only enhance your dining experience but also provide a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and culinary artistry involved in creating the Shaoxing Sizzle.