This is maybe my favorite stir fry I’ve ever had. It has Taiwanese roots…but apparently there are many different opinions about what makes this dish authentic. In any case, I really don’t think you can go wrong no matter what — good eats is good eats. Here’s my version.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 2-to-3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced into coins, approximately 12
• 12 cloves of garlic (or more to taste), peeled
• 4 whole scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• a bunch of shishito peppers
• 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless or bone-in, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon unrefined or light brown sugar
• ½ cup rice wine
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 2 cups purple basil or thai basil

Preparation:

1. Heat a wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons sesame oil. When the oil shimmers, add the ginger, garlic, scallions and peppers, and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Scrape the aromatics to the sides of the wok, add remaining oil and allow to heat through. Add the chicken, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and crisping at the edges, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add sugar and stir to combine, then add the rice wine and soy sauce, and bring just to a boil. Lower the heat, then simmer until the sauce has reduced and started to thicken, approximately 15 minutes.
4. Turn off the heat, add the basil and stir to combine.