Stimulating Your Taste Buds: 3 Spicy Sichuan Dishes That Will Blow Your Mind
Posted on: 22 January 2016
Have you ever wondered why so many people love spicy food? Spicy foods, like chili peppers, have the ability to stimulate both pleasure and pain sensations in the brain, causing the release of endorphins. This creates a sense and perception of relief and pleasure, which is why most people would agree that they enjoy eating spicy foods. If you're one of these people, you definitely want to go to a local Chinese restaurant that serves Sichuan dishes, as this region specializes in spicy dishes. Here are 3 dishes that will easily blow your mind.
Shui Zhu Yu or Sichuan Boiled Fish
One of this region's specialties is known as "shui zhu yu", which can be translated into Sichuan boiled fish. Slices of any type of white-fleshed fish, along with some vegetables, are gently poached in a spicy chili broth made with Shichuan peppercorns and dried chilies. The spicy broth will give you a tingly sensation when you eat it. The peppercorns and chilies also add a nice aroma and fragrance into the broth.
This broth is perfect for the winter months. Most people would recommend eating this broth with rice. The rice will help dampen the spicy sensation.
Mapo Tofu or 'Pockmarked Granny' Bean Curd
Another delicious Sichuan dish that can be eaten with rice is Mapo Tofu or 'Pockmarked Granny' bean curd. This delicious dish combines the softness of diced tofu with minced beef or pork cooked in a rich sauce made from Sichuan chili bean paste, fermented black beans, small red chilies, and other spicy herbs. If you're a vegetarian, many Chinese restaurants will be happy to substitute the minced beef or pork with diced mushrooms or other vegetables. The substitution will not alter the taste of this dish much. You'll be surprised at just how spicy and rich this sauce can be.
Kung Pao Chicken or Spicy Diced Chicken
If you're looking for a dish that is better known in the Western world and if you're not interested in branching out and trying something too adventurous, you can never go wrong with Kung Pao chicken or spicy diced chicken. This stir-fried dish is made with chicken cubes, dried chili peppers and deep-fried peanuts. The crispy peanuts add more texture to the dish. This dish actually has a lot of history to it, as it was actually very popular and loved by the governors in Sichuan during the Qing dynasty.
Conclusion
If you love spicy dishes, you'll definitely want to try out some of the spicier Chinese dishes that your local restaurant may have to offer. These dishes utilize special peppercorns and dried chili peppers to create a numbing, spicy experience. The rich flavours of each dish are unique and will definitely stand out on their own. You don't know what you're missing out on until you give these dishes a try.
For more information, contact Han Palace or a similar location.
Share