Sweet and Sour Peppers

Peppers Recipe from China: Sweet and Sour Peppers with Garlic and Ginger

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and sour peppers is a delicious and colorful dish that combines the tangy flavors of lemon juice and soy sauce with the sweetness of honey. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a side dish for a special occasion.

History

Sweet and sour peppers is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, where it is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The combination of sweet and sour flavors has been a staple in Chinese cooking for centuries, and this dish is a perfect example of how these flavors can come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp Thai hot sauce, chili oil or other hot sauce (optional)
1.5 tbsp canola oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 jalapeno chile, seeded and minced
3 scallions, whites minced, greens thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into 1.5" squares
2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into 1.5" squares
2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into 1.5" squares
1 tbsp black or toasted white sesame seeds
1.5 tsp cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water

How to prepare

Combine the lemon juice, tamari, honey, and hot sauce (if using) in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Just before serving, heat a wok over high heat.
Swirl in the oil.
Add the garlic, ginger, chili, and scallion whites, and stir-fry over high heat for 15 seconds, or until fragrant but not brown.
Add the peppers and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until the peppers begin to soften.
Stir in half of the scallion greens, half of the sesame seeds, and the sauce, and bring to a boil.
Stir in the dissolved cornstarch and stir-fry for about 30 seconds.
Transfer to a platter and garnish with the remaining scallion greens and sesame seeds.

Variations

Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Use different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish.
Substitute the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the peppers into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir-fry the peppers over high heat to maintain their crisp texture.

- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet and sour peppers can be served as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles, or as a topping for grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key cooking technique for this recipe, as it allows the peppers to cook quickly while maintaining their crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.

- Use vegetable oil instead of canola oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sweet and sour peppers in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions.

Pairing Recommendations

Sweet and sour peppers pair well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, and can be served alongside grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sweet and sour peppers contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sweet and sour peppers contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sweet and sour peppers contains approximately 7 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sweet and sour peppers contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet and sour peppers are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame seeds, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Sweet and sour peppers are a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sweet and sour peppers are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish or as a main course, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner by a dear friend of mine. As I walked into her kitchen, I was immediately drawn to the delicious aroma that filled the room. I approached the table where all the dishes were laid out and my eyes landed on a colorful bowl filled with sweet and sour peppers.

I had never tasted anything like it before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it. I asked my friend where she had learned the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down through her family for generations.

Eager to learn the secret behind this delectable dish, I asked my friend's grandmother if she would be willing to teach me how to make it. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, chopping peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and simmering them in a sweet and tangy sauce.

As I watched her expertly mix the ingredients together, I realized that cooking was more than just a skill – it was an art form. Each ingredient had to be carefully measured and added at the right time to create the perfect balance of flavors.

After several hours of cooking and tasting, the sweet and sour peppers were finally ready. I eagerly took a bite and was transported to a world of culinary delight. The peppers were tender and juicy, the sauce was thick and savory, and the combination of sweet and sour flavors danced on my taste buds.

I thanked my friend's grandmother for sharing her family recipe with me, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made sweet and sour peppers for countless dinner parties, family gatherings, and potluck dinners, and each time they are met with rave reviews.

I have since added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating different types of peppers, experimenting with various spices, and even adding a touch of heat with a dash of hot sauce. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of sweet and sour peppers remains the same – a dish that is as comforting as it is delicious.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for sweet and sour peppers, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their culinary wisdom with me. Cooking has become a passion of mine, and I am constantly on the lookout for new recipes and techniques to try.

But no matter how many dishes I learn to make, sweet and sour peppers will always hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of the joy of cooking, the warmth of family, and the beauty of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And for that, I am truly grateful.