Difference between Szechuan and Hunan chicken
Main difference
One of the oldest civilizations, China has quite a rich heritage; they have their styles, customs, traditions and even their foods. Food is also a kind of cultural representation of the specific place. Like many other things like traditions, games and festivals, Chinese food recipes are equally famous around the world. Here we will differentiate between the two famous Chinese dishes, which are followed by cooking techniques all over the world. Szechuan is the Chinese dish originated from Sichuan province (China), while Hunan is the Chinese dish originated from western Hunan, which is the province of China. Hunan chicken is spicier compared to chicken from Szechuan, since in Hunan fresh peppers are used, which increases their cold content.
Comparative chart
Szechuan | Hunan Chicken | |
Source | Szechuan is the Chinese dish originating in the province of Sichuan (China). | Hunan is the Chinese dish that originated in western Hunan, which is the province of China. |
spice | Hunan chicken is spicier compared to Szechuan chicken as fresh peppers are used in Hunan. | Less spicy |
Cooking technique | In Szechuan, cooking techniques such as steaming, braising and stir-frying are used. | Cooking techniques such as stewing, smoking, roasting and frying are used for the preparation of Hunan chicken. |
Food preservation | The ingredients used in Szechuan chicken are preserved by drying, pickling, or salting. | Cured and smoked ingredients are used in the preparation of Hunan chicken. |
Hunan chicken is the Chinese dish of the western province of Hunan; It is considered one of the eight great traditions of Chinese cuisine. It should be mentioned that Hunan is the cooking technique that bears the name of the Chinese province; the chicken in the name denotes the use of chicken in this dish as meat. Hunan is also prepared with rabbit, beef or any other meat. Hunan chicken, which has fresh peppers and chicken as the main ingredient, is popular all over the world, especially in the US Mainly there are three styles of Hunan cuisines, which are different due to the belonging of the different regions. The Xiang River Region, Dongting Lake, and Western Hunan Province are the regions that make a difference in Hunan cooking style. Hot peppers are one of the main ingredients in this recipe along with the use of vegetables. Chill paste or dried peppers are also used in the preparation of Hunan chicken, which makes it quite a bit spicier compared to other Chinese cuisines. Hunan chicken has a unique aroma and deep color, which is ensured by cooking techniques such as stewing, smoking, roasting and frying. In America, Hunan chicken is served with Sichuan sauce. Cured and smoked ingredients are used in the preparation of Hunan chicken. smoking, roasting and frying. In America, Hunan chicken is served with Sichuan sauce. Cured and smoked ingredients are used in the preparation of Hunan chicken. smoking, roasting and frying. In America, Hunan chicken is served with Sichuan sauce.
Chinese cuisine of origin from the Sichuan province is known as Szechuan. In these types of kitchens, the pepper paste process is used, which makes it less spicy and hotter than that of Hunan. Sichuan cuisine comes in seven flavors, known as aromatic, salty, sour, sweet, sour, pungent, and spicy. The four sub-styles of Szechuan are Chongqing, Chengdu, Buddhist, and the vegetarian Zigong style. Apart from chili paste and garlic, ginger and peanuts are the other important ingredients in this kitchen. The ingredients used in this dish are preserved by drying, pickling or salting. And for cooking, techniques such as steaming, braising and stir-frying are used. Chill oil is used a lot in this recipe, which improves the heat of this food.
Szechuan Chicken vs. Hunan
- Szechuan is the Chinese dish originated in the province of Sichuan (China), while Hunan is the Chinese dish originated in western Hunan, which is the province of China.
- Hunan chicken is spicier compared to Szechuan chicken, since Hunan uses fresh peppers, which increases its cold content.
- Cooking techniques such as stewing, smoking, roasting and frying are used for the preparation of Hunan chicken. Contrary to this, in Szechuan, cooking techniques such as steaming, braising and stir-frying are used.
- Cured and smoked ingredients are used in the preparation of Hunan chicken, while ingredients used in Szechuan chicken are preserved by drying, pickling, or salting.