Dou Si Ji

Dou Si Ji Recipe from Hong Kong with Chicken and Peppers

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dou Si Ji is a popular Chinese dish that features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with preserved black beans, garlic, and colorful bell peppers. This flavorful and aromatic dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

Dou Si Ji has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where it is a staple dish in many households. The combination of chicken, preserved black beans, and peppers creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

0.5 piece (450 g) of chicken
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
2 tbsp of preserved black bean
1 stalk of spring onion
6 cloves of garlic
1 egg
1 tbsp of Shao Xing wine

Seasoning

0.5 tbsp of chicken powder
1 tbsp of corn flour
0.25 tbsp of salt
0.25 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of light soy sauce
4 tbsp of water

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and chop the green and red peppers.
Cut the spring onion into short stalks and press the garlic cloves.
Whisk the egg, then add the chicken chunks and 2 tbsp of light soy sauce.
Add 1 tbsp of corn flour and some pepper, and mix well.
Heat a wok with plenty of oil and deep fry the chicken chunks until golden. Then, remove from heat.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil, then add the garlic, green and red peppers, and stir fry.
Add the preserved beans and stir fry again, then add the chicken and stir fry well.
Pour in the seasoning and add the wine. Finally, remove from heat and serve.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with pork or tofu for a different flavor.
Add diced carrots or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

- Be sure to whisk the egg well before adding it to the chicken for a tender and moist texture.

- Use a wok for stir-frying to ensure that the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce or salt if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Dou Si Ji can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique for making Dou Si Ji, as it allows the ingredients to cook quickly over high heat while retaining their flavors and textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have preserved black beans, you can substitute with black bean sauce or miso paste for a similar umami flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will help to save time during meal preparation.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Dou Si Ji with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Dou Si Ji pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dou Si Ji contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dou Si Ji contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dou Si Ji contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dou Si Ji contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dou Si Ji is rich in vitamin C from the bell peppers and garlic, as well as iron and potassium from the chicken.

Alergens

Dou Si Ji contains soy and eggs.

Summary

Dou Si Ji is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Dou Si Ji is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that is easy to make at home. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this tasty meal in no time.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Dou Si Ji. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mei Ling in her quaint little village in the countryside of China. Mei Ling was renowned for her delicious cooking, and she had invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared a traditional Chinese meal for her family.

As we chatted and chopped vegetables, Mei Ling suddenly pulled out a small, tattered notebook from a drawer and handed it to me. "This is a family recipe for Dou Si Ji," she said with a smile. "I learned it from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her. Now, I am passing it on to you."

I eagerly flipped through the pages of the notebook, taking in all the intricate details of the recipe. Dou Si Ji, or shredded chicken with bean sprouts, was a dish I had never heard of before. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and savory sauce sounded absolutely mouthwatering.

Mei Ling guided me through the steps of preparing the dish, showing me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and how to stir-fry the bean sprouts until they were just tender. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen as we cooked was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As we sat down to eat, the flavors of the Dou Si Ji exploded in my mouth. The chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned, the bean sprouts added a delightful crunch, and the sauce tied everything together beautifully. I savored each bite, feeling grateful to Mei Ling for sharing this treasured family recipe with me.

After my visit with Mei Ling, I returned home with the notebook in hand, determined to recreate the Dou Si Ji dish for my own family. I spent hours in my kitchen, carefully following each step of the recipe, making sure to honor the tradition and history that came with it.

As I cooked, memories of my own childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my own grandmother in her kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she prepared her own beloved recipes. She had always said that cooking was a way to connect with our past, to remember where we came from and the people who had come before us.

And as I sat down with my family to enjoy the Dou Si Ji I had made, I felt a deep sense of connection to my own roots. The flavors of the dish transported me back to Mei Ling's kitchen, to the rolling hills of the Chinese countryside, to a time long ago when recipes were passed down from generation to generation.

Since that day, Dou Si Ji has become a staple in my own kitchen. I make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always with a sense of pride and gratitude for the tradition it represents. And whenever I take a bite of the tender chicken and crunchy bean sprouts, I am reminded of the moments shared with Mei Ling, of the stories woven into every bite, and of the love that goes into each and every dish I cook.