Lo Bok With Sichuan Peppercorns And Fresh Red Chiles Recipes

LO BOK WITH SICHUAN PEPPERCORNS AND FRESH RED CHILES

Steps:

• Cut radish and carrots into fine julienne with mandoline, then toss with 2 tablespoons kosher salt in a bowl and let stand 1 hour. Drain in a colander, then squeeze handfuls in a kitchen towel to remove moisture and transfer to a bowl.
• While vegetables are standing, heat vinegars, sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a small nonreactive saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved.
• Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a small heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté dried chiles and Sichuan peppercorns, stirring, until chiles are blackened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ginger and fresh chiles, then stir into vinegar mixture. Cool sauce.
• Pour sauce through a fine sieve into bowl with radish and carrots. Add scallion, cilantro, and sesame oil and marinate, tossing occasionally, 30 minutes.
• Available at Asian markets and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).

SICHUAN CHICKEN WITH CHILES

Steps:

• Skin chicken, and cut skin into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside. Bone chicken, and cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside separately.
• Turn heat under a wok or 10-inch skillet to medium-high and add chicken skin. Cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat so skin browns but does not burn, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt, and remove to a bowl, using a slotted spoon.
• Add chiles and cook, stirring occasionally, until they puff and darken, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a separate bowl. Add bell pepper and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until it browns, about 5 minutes. Remove and combine with chiles. Add as much chicken meat as will fit in one layer, and cook until browned on one side; season with salt. Stir and cook until browned; remove and repeat with remaining chicken.
• Add garlic, followed by chicken, peppers and skin. Stir to combine, then add sherry, stock and soy sauce. Cook until mixture is saucy, about 3 minutes, then serve with white rice. Chiles should not be eaten.