Linyi – Style Stir – Fried Chicken: A Flavorful Shandong Specialty

Linyi – style stir – fried chicken, hailing from Linyi, Shandong province, is a celebrated dish known for its intense flavor, tender chicken, and spicy kick. The dish features a harmonious blend of seasonings that create a mouthwatering symphony on the palate. This guide will walk you through the process of making this classic Shandong dish at home.​

Ingredients​

For the Chicken​

• 500g local free – range chicken (preferably a young rooster). Free – range chicken has a more robust flavor and firmer texture. Cut the chicken into small, bite – sized pieces.​

For the Vegetables and Aromatics​

• 2 – 3 dried chili peppers​

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced​

• 2 slices of ginger, minced​

• 1 medium onion, cut into chunks​

• 1 green pepper, cored and cut into chunks​

For the Seasonings​

• 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce​

• 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce​

• 1 tablespoon of cooking wine​

• 1 tablespoon of sweet bean sauce​

• 1 teaspoon of salt​

• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar​

• 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper​

• 3 – 4 tablespoons of peanut oil​

Step – by – Step Cooking Process​

Pre – treating the Chicken​

1. Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Moisture on the chicken can cause splattering during frying.​

Sautéing Aromatics​

1. Heat 3 – 4 tablespoons of peanut oil in a wok over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, ginger slices, and dried chili peppers. Stir – fry until they become fragrant, about 30 seconds.​

Adding the Chicken​

1. Put the chicken pieces into the wok. Stir – fry vigorously over high heat for 3 – 4 minutes until the chicken changes color and starts to turn golden – brown on the edges. This high – heat stir – frying locks in the chicken’s natural juices.​

Adding Seasonings​

1. Pour in 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cooking wine. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.​

2. Add 1 tablespoon of sweet bean sauce to the wok. Continue to stir – fry for 2 – 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to blend with the chicken and develop a rich flavor.​

3. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper over the chicken. Stir to combine.​

Adding Vegetables​

1. Add the onion chunks to the wok. Stir – fry for 2 – 3 minutes until the onions start to soften.​

2. Put the green pepper chunks into the wok. Stir – fry for another 1 – 2 minutes until the green peppers are slightly softened but still retain their crunch.​

Adjusting Seasonings and Serving​

1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.​

2. Transfer the Linyi – style stir – fried chicken to a serving plate. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed buns or rice, allowing you to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.