Black pepper chicken

Step 1: Start by taking 1 chicken breast and cutting it into thin, bite-sized strips. Place the chicken strips in a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornflour, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix the ingredients well with your hands or a spoon until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to sit for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken strips to the pan. Stir-fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. Make sure to move the chicken around frequently to prevent it from sticking or burning. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 thinly sliced onion, and 1/2 of a red capsicum and 1/2 of a green capsicum, cut into strips. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 1 minute until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender yet retain their vibrant color and texture.

Step 4: Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of ketchup into the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

Step 5: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and gently toss it with the vegetables and sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. Make sure the chicken and vegetables are well combined and the sauce coats everything evenly. Turn off the heat and let the flavors settle for a minute.

Step 6: Transfer the Black Pepper Chicken to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a touch of freshness and color. Serve the dish hot with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, peppery sauce that will delight your taste buds!