Sichuan-style Spicy Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki is traditionally marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, our Sichuan-style Spicy Souvlaki takes a departure from the Mediterranean flavors. Instead, we use a combination of Sichuan peppercorns, chili paste, soy sauce, and ginger to create a mouthwatering marinade that packs a punch. The addition of Sichuan peppercorns adds a unique numbing sensation and depth of flavor to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons chili paste 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry pan, toast the Sichuan peppercorns over medium heat until fragrant. Remove from heat and grind them into a fine powder.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground Sichuan peppercorns, chili paste, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, vegetable oil, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix well to form a marinade.
3. 3.
   Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked bamboo skewers.
6. 6.
   Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Serve the Sichuan-style Spicy Souvlaki hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toasting the peppercorns before grinding them enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them as it can make the dish bitter.
• Chili paste — Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder version.
• Ginger — Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty kick to the marinade. Ensure it is finely grated to distribute the flavor evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, brush the skewers with the remaining marinade while grilling.
• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• Serve the Sichuan-style Spicy Souvlaki with a side of Sichuan-style cucumber salad to balance the heat.
• If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the chili paste before adding it to the marinade.
• Experiment with different meats or vegetables for a variety of flavors. Try using beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives to chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style Spicy Souvlaki as a main course alongside steamed rice or noodles. Accompany it with a refreshing cucumber salad and a side of Sichuan-style pickled vegetables for a complete Sichuan dining experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions. Drizzle a little extra chili paste on top for an added pop of color and spice. Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles to complete the presentation.