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Almost Ma Po Chicken

Created by Linky on April 13, 2022

1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon red chili flakes, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
1 pound green beans, trimmed
Butterhead, green leaf or romaine lettuce, washed, dried and separated into leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios, for garnish

Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Add chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Meanwhile, mash black beans with a fork in a small bowl. Add ketchup, vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, chili flakes and Sichuan peppercorn. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir and mash until a thick paste forms. If you happen to use Penzy's Sichuan peppercorn seasoning, it contains salt, so adjust accordingly.
Step 3: Add the beans to the chicken, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add ½ cup water and green beans and stir. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover.
Step 5: Cook, stirring once or twice, until the sauce thickens and the beans are tender. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Step 6: Serve on lettuce cups, on rice or noodles.
Step 7: Top with chopped cilantro and chopped pistachio.