5 spices you can use in your chilli chicken recipe

Chilli chicken is a very popular Chinese dish. Like most Chinese products, it has spread to each and every country and has found immense fame. In India, the dish is loved by most people and enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments like noodles, fried rice and even chapatis. Chilli chicken is also made at home for the sudden cravings. These important spices can be added to the dish in order to get a taste of China in your own kitchen:

Chilli Chicken Recipes

1. Ginger paste: A ginger paste can be easily prepared by using fresh Ginger roots and adding to it a tablespoon of vegetable oil and water. The ginger paste has a very distinct flavor which is irreplaceable in a chilli chicken recipe. It is used in most Chinese dishes and adds a distinct flavor to the preparation of chilli chicken. Even though Ginger powder is available in the market which is easier to use, the aroma and flavour of ginger paste can only be achieved by using it in its original form.

2. Garlic paste: Just like ginger paste, garlic paste is also extremely important in a chilli chicken recipe. Even though garlic cloves are added in whole to the dish, garlic paste is also essential in the preparation of the gravy. Garlic has a strong flavor which adds to the taste of chilli chicken.

3. Soya sauce: Soya sauce is made by the fermentation of soya beans, barley or roasted grains, salt and water. It is mainly used in the preparation of most Chinese dishes. Soya sauce is also an important marinade for chicken as it makes it soft and succulent. In the preparation of chilli chicken, soya sauce finds many uses. The chicken is marinated in the sauce, it is added while preparing the gravy and is sometimes used while frying the chicken as well.

4. Vinegar: Vinegar is another ingredient most commonly used in the preparation of Chinese dishes. Like soya sauce, vinegar finds many uses while making chilli chicken. Addition of vinegar to the chicken makes it soft and succulent and removes any smell of raw meat. Adding vinegar to the gravy complements the flavor by adding a sour taste to the dish.

5. Pepper: Adding black paper to a chilli chicken recipes will add a desirable twist to the dish. Often known as pepper chilli chicken, this is a slightly hot version of the traditionally sweet chilli chicken. Black pepper is widely used in the Chinese dishes as it not only adds a bit of heat to the dishes but also has a flavor of its own which tingles the taste buds.

These ingredients, although not exhaustive, are very important in the recipe of chilli chicken preparation. With these spices, you can make and enjoy the most popular spicy dish in the comfort of your own home.