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Mu Shu Chicken with Jícama

2.5

(3)

This variation on the Chinese classic incorporates jícama, which retains the crisp texture of water chestnuts even when cooked.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
a 1/2-pound piece jícama
3 scallions
4 flour tortillas
5 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips and in a shallow baking dish stir together cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon Sherry until combined well. Add chicken to marinade and toss to coat well. Marinate chicken, covered, at room temperature 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 350° F.

    Step 3

    In a bowl whisk together eggs, 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, and salt. Peel j’cama and cut into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. Cut scallions into pieces about 1 1/2 inches long and halve white pieces lengthwise.

    Step 4

    Wrap tortillas in a sheet of foil and heat in oven until hot, about 8 minutes.

    Step 5

    While tortillas are heating, heat a wok or an 8- to 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over moderately high heat until a bead of water dropped on cooking surface evaporates immediately. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, swirling wok or skillet to coat evenly, and heat until hot but not smoking. Stir-fry eggs until just cooked through but not browned, about 10 seconds. Transfer eggs to a bowl and break up into bite-size pieces.

    Step 6

    Carefully wipe out wok or skillet with paper towels. In wok or skillet heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Stir-fry j’cama 30 seconds and add 1 tablespoon Sherry. Add scallions and stir-fry 10 seconds, or until j’cama is crisp-tender. Add vegetables to eggs. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to wok or skillet and heat until hot but not smoking. Stir-fry chicken with marinade 1 minute, or until just cooked through. Add vegetable mixture with remaining tablespoon soy sauce and reamining 1/2 tablespoon Sherry and stir-fry until heated through.

  2. Step 7

    Divide chicken mixture between 2 plates and serve with tortillas for wrapping.

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