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Must have le creuset pieces


19 Best Le Creuset Items for Your Kitchen [Updated]

Who

hasn't had their eye on a beautiful Dutch oven or enameled skillet? We rounded up the best Le Creuset products to fill your kitchen. They're pretty and practical.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

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Oval Dutch Oven

Of course, Le Creuset’s signature item is first on our list: the Dutch oven. You can get this kitchen essential in many, many colors, and sizes ranging from 2 and 3/4-quarts to 15 and 1/2-quarts. Plus, the toned knobs and oval shape add a little extra touch of sophistication. This beauty ranks high on our best Dutch ovens list, too. Fill it with soups, stews, casseroles, breads, pot roasts and more Dutch oven recipes.

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Pumpkin Cocotte

It doesn’t get any cuter than this mini pumpkin-shaped cocotte. A cocotte is ideal for serving up individual servings of casseroles, cobblers and of course, pumpkin bakes. Persimmon is our fave color for autumn, although you can’t go wrong with the meringue and sea salt hues, either. Discover more gourd-geous pumpkin dishes for fall.

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Vibrant Cast-Iron Skillet

We love durable, practical cast-iron skillets. But who says practical can’t be pretty? Le Creuset’s cast-iron skillet comes in 10+ colors. Grab one and cook up one of these tasty skillet suppers. If cast iron isn’t your thing, the brand also makes a terrific nonstick skillet, according to our Test Kitchen.

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Apple Tart Dishes

Our mouths are watering from thinking about all the apple pie goodies to bake in these mini apple tart dishes. This set comes with two tart dishes, one red and one green. It’s a gorgeous gift for pie bakers and anyone who likes having fun with Thanksgiving dessert!

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Olive Branch Saucier

Sure, you know Le Creuset for its bold colors, but there’s something to be said for the brilliant white hue of this olive-printed saucier. The flat white enamel really lets the olive branch motif stand out on this pan. And we think the design would fit in any kitchen, whether you consider your aesthetic more modern farmhouse or traditional Mediterranean.

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Oval Roasting Pan

One of the best Le Creuset items that acts like a skillet, baking pan and serveware all in one? Check! The shallow cooking surface of this oval roasting pan is ideal for stovetop cooking or baking in the oven. Ingredients are more exposed to heat, making it easier to achieve a crispy top and evenly cooked inside. Plus, it sits pretty on the tabletop, too.

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Braiser

Looking for a great all-purpose pan that’s somewhere between your two favorites (you know them: a cast-iron skillet and a Dutch oven)? You’re looking for this Le Creuset braiser. This everyday pan is perfect for all kinds of cooking techniques. Use it to sear, simmer, saute, bake and, yes, braise.

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Pumpkin Casserole Dish

Topping off their autumn collection, this pumpkin casserole dish is one of the best Le Creuset items for baking—and serving—green been casserole this Thanksgiving. Or pumpkin pie, of course. Have you ordered your Thanksgiving turkey yet?

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Whistling Tea Kettle

Le Creuset is so much more than Dutch ovens. Just look at this beautiful tea kettle! Coated in an ombre enamel, we can totally see this striking teal taking center stage on our stove. (If this hue’s not your thing, don’t worry—it comes in eight stunning colors!) Give it as a gift to tea lovers, as well.

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Enamel Grill Pan

Enjoy grilling all year long with a cast-iron grill pan. We just love the length on this number for searing zucchini, steaks and bell peppers! And, it makes an excellent gift for grillers.

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Noel Holiday Tree Dutch Oven

‘Tis the season to break out the best Le Creuset items, like this holiday tree Dutch oven. The beautiful green hue is complemented by a gold knob. We can’t think of a more elegant way to serve Christmas dinner.

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Sleek Saucepan

While Le Creuset is known for its rainbow of colored enamel, there’s nothing wrong with embracing their subtler shades. This meringue saucepan looks pretty atop any stove.

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Pepper Mill

Any home cook knows there’s nothing like freshly ground pepper. Why not make sure your pepper mill is just as pretty as it is functional? We love that this gadget comes in a rainbow of colors (look at that flame orange!).

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Heritage Loaf Pan

Add this loaf pan to your list of bread-baking essentials. The stoneware material heats up evenly and retains heat—perfect for bread, pound cakes and even your Sunday meatloaf. Snag one for yourself and as a gift for bread bakers.

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French Press

It can be pretty hard to find a pretty coffee maker, but Le Creuset managed to make one! The calming chambray hue of this French press (if that’s your preferred method), is a happy addition to any kitchen. Want pretty appliances, too? Check out the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore collection.

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Christmas Tree Plate

Looking for the best Le Creuset items beyond the stovetop? Look no further than this Christmas tree plate. A table decoration and serve piece all in one, it decks holiday treats in Christmas magic. Speaking of Christmas trees, have you seen this vintage-inspired ceramic night light?

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Butter Dish

Let’s settle this once and for all: It is absolutely safe to keep butter on the counter. And if you’re going to do it, you should definitely do it in style with the Le Creuset butter dish. It pairs beautifully with these gadgets for people who love butter.

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Baking Dish with Platter Lid

In the kitchen, we love great tools and gear—and we love them even more if they’re multifunctional. And if that piece of gear is pretty too, well, we can’t resist clicking “buy now.” That’s how we feel about this lidded baking dish. It’s a gorgeous baking pan and the lid also serves as a tray. How terrific is that? Bake up some baklava in the pan, slice it and serve it up right on the lid.

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Heritage Pie Dish

What better way to kick off holiday baking than with a new signature pie dish? It bakes pie to perfection while achieving photo-worthy crust. It’s one of the best Le Creuset items for whipping up quiches, potpies, casseroles and pies that are as beautiful as they are tasty. It’s a pie-baking essential!

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Originally Published: March 11, 2021

Lisa Kaminski

Lisa is an editor at Taste of Home where she gets to embrace her passion for baking. She pours this love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa is also dedicated to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.

Madi Koetting

As Associate Shopping Editor, Madi is an expert at helping Taste of Home readers find everyday household products to level up their life. She covers everything from Instagram-famous products to the internet’s best deals and discounts. When she’s not deep in a story, you can find her honing her at-home mixology skills and scouring TikTok for the next trendy product.

15 best Le Creuset buys: the H&G tried and trusted edit

(Image credit: Le Creuset)

Founded in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, Le Creuset is renowned for its expertly crafted, durable, and colorful cookware. Their versatile designs are available in a grand palette of beautiful contemporary colors, with a whole host of products to choose from that can transform the look and performance of your kitchen.  

You may already have a few Le Creuset pieces dotted around your space, but if you are looking to expand your collection and further invest in some of the best cast iron cookware, then you've come to the right place for inspiration.

The Homes & Gardens edit of the best Le Creuset buys explores the Le Creuset must-haves that are used and loved by our team every day. From the iconic Dutch Oven, voted the best overall in our best Dutch oven guide, to the dreamy Le Creuset stoneware cafetière and matching mugs, we have it all covered. 

For further information about how we conduct our reviews and for our product-testing process explained, explore how we test on Homes & Gardens.

The best Le Creuset buys

Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

So, why invest in Le Creuset cookware? 

This handcrafted, oven-to-table cookware is made to the highest quality and will last a lifetime with the proper care. It's also no secret that Le Creuset win all the points in the looks department – who wouldn't want to make a statement and display their matching Le Creuset cookware proudly when planning kitchen shelving ideas and kitchen storage ideas?

And let's not forget that this iconic cookware is non-stick, with the majority of Le Creuset designs also suitable for use on all hobs and for the dishwasher.

Read on to discover our 15 best Le Creuset buys for 2022.

Le Creuset Black Friday

For the best Le Creuset Black Friday deals currently on offer, see our roundup of Le Creuset sales.

(Image credit: Harts of Stur)

1. Classic Le Creuset mugs

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 3.6" x W: 4.8" x H: 3.7" x Capacity: 0.35L

Material: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors 

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Durable, long-lasting stoneware material 

Reasons to avoid

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Only one size available

A mug cupboard filled with Le Creuset Stoneware Mugs is the stuff of our dreams. Tea drinker or coffee lover, enjoying your morning drink in one of these will keep your beverage hot for longer, and, they are nice to look at.

'I've been building up my collection of Le Creuset stoneware mugs since buying my first home. Each one, in its different hue, scrubs up well by hand and in the dishwasher with no tea or coffee stains ever-present. They're also resistant to chips (so far) and just feel really nice to hold, with a good weight to them.' – Jennifer Ebert, H&G Digital Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

2. Le Creuset casserole

Specifications

Dimensions: Seven sizes available: 1.8L - 8.1L

Materials: Enameled cast iron

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Large selection of sizes 

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Crafted from strong enameled cast iron

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Multipurpose piece

Reasons to avoid

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Can be heavy to lift and maneuver 

It should come as no surprise that the Le Creuset Casserole Dish is on our list. We often spot it in friends' kitchens – and for good reason, too. Use it on your hob, in your oven, and then pop it on your table for serving up. 

'This is the perfect size for cooking a casserole, soup, or stew for two (hungry) people, or for when I want to make a big portion to freeze. I love that I can take it from hob to oven to table and with the lid, it retains heat well – perfect if you are always going back for seconds.' – Lindsey Davis, H&G Ecommerce Editor.

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

3. Le Creuset hob-compatible kettle

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 10.7" x W: 8.2" x H:9.9" x Capacity: 2.1L

Materials: Enameled carbon steel

Reasons to buy

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Quick heat up time

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Durable enameled carbon steel material

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Large selection of colors

Reasons to avoid

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Only one size available

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For use on hob

We like to picture the Le Creuset Traditional Kettle atop an AGA stove. Not only does this kettle get five stars in the looks department, but feature-wise it's induction-compatible, it heats up fast and it has a heat-resistant handle. How to know when your water is hot enough? It'll whistle!

'I love the stove top kettle, which I have in the classic orange. It's really sturdy and durable so it's lasted for years and years, and it looks fabulous.' – Lucy Searle, H&G's Global Editor-in-Chief

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

4. Le Creuset frying pan

Specifications

Dimensions: Three sizes: 10", 11", 12"

Materials: Hard anodised forged aluminium

Reasons to buy

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Toughened non-stick design

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Three sizes available

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Easy to clean

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Strong construction

Reasons to avoid

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Only one color/finish available

There are quite a few Le Creuset frying pans to choose from, but we love the Toughened Non-Stick Deep Frying Pan with Helper Handle : it's easy to use with not one but two handles, and it has an incredible non-stick coating. When it comes to the clean-up, it's dishwasher-safe so you needn't get your hands dirty. 

See our review of the Le Creuset stainless steel pan.

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

5.

Le Creuset teapot

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 5" x W: 9" x H: 6.7" X Capacity: 1.3L

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Elegant teapot design

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Crafted from durable glazed stoneware

Reasons to avoid

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One size available

Should you be a serious tea drinker, and prefer to have a pot on the go rather than to make several trips back and forth to the kettle, the Le Creuset Stoneware Grand Teapot is well worth the price tag. In fact, it can hold up to five cups of tea or coffee and it has a large handle for easy pouring. Not just that but a locking lid prevents accidents, and a drip-resistant spout will keep your tablecloth clean.

'A friend of mine swears by hers – and I have noticed that our usually extended tea-drinking sessions aren't spoiled by a pot-gone-cold. ' – Lucy Searle, H&G's Global Editor in Chief

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(Image credit: Harts of Stur)

6. Le Creuset oven dishes

Specifications

Dimensions: Three sizes: 7.4" 1.1L, 10" 2.4L, 12,6" 4L

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Versatile design

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Available in three sizes

Reasons to avoid

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Can be heavy to lift and maneuver 

Mis-matched dishes do not look great, inside your oven or out. The Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Rectangular Dishes are pretty enough to bring to the table, and they come in three sizes. Our shopping editor owns a set of three of these in the classic Volcanic Orange...

'These oven dishes make batch cooking a breeze, not to mention that they are efficiently non-stick and they wash up in the dishwasher so well. They look nice when taken to the table, and the fact they come in all different sizes is great. I get the most use out of the medium-size one.' – Annie Collyer, H&G's Shopping Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

7. Le Creuset pan set

Specifications

Dimensions: Three sizes: 6", 7", 8"

Materials: Hard anodised forged aluminium

Reasons to buy

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Versatile set for all your cooking needs

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Three different sizes

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Toughened non-stick design

Reasons to avoid

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Only one color/finish available

Investing in some new saucepans? The Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick 3-piece Saucepan Set will last you a lifetime and are some of the best saucepans out there. Three pans measuring all different sizes, all with lids – and they are non-stick and compatible with all hob types. Pop them in your dishwasher after use, and stack them when storing them to save cupboard space.

Again, these are tested and we're impressed so far.

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

8. Le Creuset butter dish

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 7" x W: 5" x H: 3.5"

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors available

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Classic design

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Crafted from durable stoneware

Reasons to avoid

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Only one size available

Available in all of the classic Le Creuset colors, the Stoneware Butter Dish is easy, and definitely better looking, way to store butter – both on the table and in your fridge. It is microwave-safe, and on warm days, it really comes into its own as it retains cooler temperatures with ease.

'Butter dishes are unremarkable, except when the weather is hot. That's when the Le Creuset butter dish stands out from the crowd. Lift the lid and, rather than being greeted by a pool of melted butter, you have a more solid pat that's protected from the worst of the heat by Le Creuset's classic design.' – Lucy Searle, H&G's Global Editor in Chief

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

9.

Le Creuset salt and pepper mills

Specifications

Dimensions: Two sizes: 8", 12"

Materials: ABS Plastic, ceramic grinder

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Available in two sizes

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Robust ceramic grinder

Reasons to avoid

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Slightly heavy to use/lift

Salt and pepper mills are often overlooked when it comes to shopping for the kitchen, but we actually think they are one of the most important buys. They go from the kitchen to your table, and they are quite often used by your guests.

'I own both the small and normal-size versions of the Le Creuset salt and pepper mills. The small ones are plastic, but they are great for keeping in a second dining room or in my case, my home office for when I am eating lunch at my desk. The large ones we use every single day are ceramic. You can adjust them both to make salt or pepper finer or coarser, too.' – Annie Collyer, H&G's UK Shopping Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

10. Le Creuset cafetière

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 7" x W: 4.5" x H: 8.6" x Capacity: 1L

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Durable stoneware construction

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Elegant, timeless design

Reasons to avoid

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Only one size available

The Le Creuset Stoneware Cafetière is easy to use, it looks great on display and it also makes a great gift for a coffee lover. It can make up to one liter of coffee at one time, and you can use it for hot or cold brews.

'The cafetiére is much easier to clean than glass and does keep coffee warmer for longer. The lid has chipped in a few places over the years, but that's down to my careless handling of it – if it had been glass I'd have shattered it long ago. As it is, it just goes on serving up hot coffee every morning.' – Jaclyn Turner, H&G's US Ecommerce Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

11.

Le Creuset griddle pan

Specifications

Dimensions: L: 17.4" x W: 11.7" x h3" x D: 1.4"

Materials: Enameled cast iron

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Sleek grilled grooves for authentic grill strips

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Durable enameled cast iron

Reasons to avoid

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Enamel interior develops a natural patina

Not just great for cooking meat, the Le Creuset Cast Iron Square Grillit is a must-have for healthy meals since all of the fat gets collected in the ribs of the pan. Use it to cook steaks, chicken, vegetables, fish, and more.

'I inherited this from a family friend who found it too heavy, but the thickness – and thus heaviness – is what makes it retain heat well. The heat is also well distributed through the pan so I don't find you get cold spots around the edge as I have had with other griddle pans. It is dishwasher safe but I like to soak mine to remove anything burnt on, then clean very carefully to avoid removing the seasoning to the non-stick coating.' – Lindsey Davis, H&G Ecommerce Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creueset)

12.

Le Creuset espresso mugs

Specifications

Dimensions: L:2.4" x W: 3.4" x H: 2.5" x Capacity: 0.1L

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

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Durable, long-lasting stoneware material

Reasons to avoid

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Only one size available

We don't need to say much about these Le Creuset Stoneware Espresso Mugs, except that they are perfectly sized and can also be used for serving desserts.

'I've had my Le Creuset espresso cups for years, they were a treat to myself when I moved out of an apartment share (no mug survived in that house). I got them in a set of three and they are perfect for well... espressos but they are big enough to add a tiny bit of steamed milk on top if, like me, you aren't always hardcore enough for an espresso.' – Hebe Hatton, H&G's Style Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

13. Le Creuset Heritage pie dish

Specifications

Dimensions: 9" diameter

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Timeless design

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Durable stoneware construction

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Versatile design

Reasons to avoid

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One size available

Whether it's sweet or savory pies, cheesecakes, quiches, or casseroles, the Le Creuset Heritage Pie Dish  can act as the perfect foundation and serving dish for your creations.

We love how versatile this product is, and how good it looks when set down on the dinner table. It can be put in the oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, and dishwasher - ideal for adapting to a modern kitchen.

Available in a collection of Le Creuset glazed colorways, the design is finished with elegant scalloped edging, with the durable stoneware construction allowing for superior heat distribution and retention.

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

14. Le Creuset Mini round cocotte

Specifications

Dimensions : Two sizes available: 8 fl. oz, 14. fl. oz.

Materials: Glazed stoneware

Reasons to buy

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Large selection of colors

+

Durable stoneware

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Multipurpose piece

Reasons to avoid

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Compact design

It doesn't get cuter than the Le Creuset Mini Round Cocottes ! Utterly adorable, these small designs can be used as individual serving dishes at dinner parties, or are ideal for creating the perfect portion when cooking a meal for one.

'I started with just the one Le Creuset Mini round cocotte to add a colorful, decorative accent to my kitchen space – rather than using it for cooking! But over time I've purchased a selection of cocottes in different colors, and now I have a set of four. I mainly use them when I have friends for dinner as they can make any dish look good – no matter how good a cook you are. My go-to dish to create in the cocottes when hosting is a mini moussaka.' – Zara Stacey, H&G's Content Editor

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(Image credit: Le Creuset)

15. Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Specifications

Dimensions: Seven sizes available

Materials: Enameled cast iron

Reasons to buy

+

Large selection of colors

+

Large selection of sizes

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Durable enameled cast iron

+

Versatile design

Reasons to avoid

-

Heavy to lift/maneuver 

Tried and tested by H&G's Ecommerce Writer, Molly Cleary in our Le Creuset vs Staub review, the Le Creuset Dutch Oven is a true icon of cookware. A multipurpose piece that can be used for slow-cooking, roasting, baking, braising, frying – and more – the Dutch Oven is a must-have for those who love to cook.

'Once you have a Le Creuset Dutch Oven, there is no going back. The design is probably one of my most used products in the kitchen as it can be used to cook so many different kinds of dishes. I love that the white enamel inside the pot allows you to properly assess your cooking and monitor exactly what is happening inside the pan. The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is ideal for slow cooking stews, casseroles, and braising.' – Molly Cleary

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The Le Creuset signature collection is a newer, improved selection of the classic Le Creuset product designs and is more expensive.

The signature collection features products with larger handles, an improved enamel construction, heat-resistant knobs, and tighter fitting lids with larger raised rims.

Even though there are differences between the two collections, they're subtle, with both the classic and signature embodying high-quality, expert craftsmanship.

What is the most popular color of Le Creuset?

The most popular color of Le Creuset is their iconic Flame, which was introduced way back at the start of Le Creuset in 1925 and is labeled as their trademark hue.

Impactful, striking, and fun, the Flame orange finish can really make an impact in your kitchen space.

This bold color choice paved the way for Le Creuset to become synonymous with vibrant, colorful cookware designs, with their products available in a huge selection of finishes.

Do people mix and match Le Creuset?

There are no rules when it comes to the colors of your Le Creuset collection, so of course, you can mix and match – the decision completely depends on your style and how you want the designs to look in your space.  

Whether you have a large collection of Le Creuset and have set color themes for different product types, or want to purchase a new set of mugs in a rainbow of colors, the choice is completely yours!

Le Creuset pride itself on being color (as well as cooking) connoisseurs, and champion bringing in individuality and beautiful color into the kitchen; allowing you to fully celebrate your distinct style and personality through your cookware.

How long will Le Creuset last?

With the right care, Le Creuset can last a lifetime. Their stoneware, enameled cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick technology have been expertly made for long-lasting, everyday durability. 

Products made from stainless steel, cast iron, and hard adonized materials, as well as their bakeware and nonstick products, come with a lifetime guarantee. 

Stoneware, salt and pepper mills, and wine accessories come with a ten-year guarantee, with kettles having a five-year guarantee.

Annie is Deputy Ecommerce Editor at Homes & Gardens. With a penchant for shopping, a first-class Journalism degree, and four years of eCommerce experience behind her, she is our shopping guru when it comes to what to buy for your home, when to invest — and where to do your shopping. Her eCommerce experience has inspired countless online purchases across the titles of Ideal Home, Livingetc, Gardeningetc, Real Homes, and Woman & Home. Annie and her team currently curate shopping content for Homes & Gardens, so whether you're searching for luxurious towels to spruce your bathroom or a pantry organizer to maximize space and add style, they can recommend a product (or 10). 

With contributions from

Le Creuset Square skillet grill - «How to fry a good steak in a pan at home. I share many years of experience and life hacks.

Is it possible to cook a really good steak in a pan in a city apartment? Responsibly, I can. To do this, you need quite a bit:

Ribeye steak on the grill pan Le Creuset

Experience and knowledge

We all love different steaks of different doneness. Moreover, everyone has different stoves. Therefore, there is no universal advice on how to fry the perfect steak and cannot be. You will have to learn from your own experience. I'll tell you how I did it.

I like medium rare steaks, my husband prefers medium. Our preferred cuts are Ribeye and New York. Therefore, I studied at Ribeye from Miratorg.

Initially I got myself a table where I wrote down what I did and what result I got. I advise everyone to do the same. nine0003

Roasting table for Ribeye steak

I had to tinker for myself. In principle, both the first and the second time I liked the steaks, but the third time I achieved the perfect roast for myself. Now I am using it.

Based on this table, guessing the time for frying other pieces was already easier. Although I made similar signs for them.

Meat

There are two ways of aging meat for steaks: dry and wet. If you have your own reliable and trusted supplier of dry aged steaks, I envy you. I do not have that. But there is a butcher's shop in the yard, the owner of which cooks amazing pieces of wet aging. Usually I prefer to take steaks from her. nine0003

But not everyone can find such a shop in the yard. Fortunately, Miratorg is already in every city and in every store. These guys know how to make decent steaks. So feel free to take them. And do not listen to those who scold this brand.

Look at this Ribeye, isn't he beautiful?

Rib eye steak from Miratorg

Now you can find many different steaks on sale. In addition to classic cuts like Chateaubriand and Filet Mignon, alternative cuts are widely represented, such as Flank or Picanha. Usually alternative pieces are much thinner than classic ones. But you shouldn't be afraid of them. Just keep them on fire for a very short time. Literally show them to the fire and remove them. Get yourself a plate like mine and experiment. nine0003


Frying pan

Can I fry a steak in a regular frying pan? You can, of course, if it is a cast-iron pan with thick walls. Heat the oil in it, flavor it with frying a branch of rosemary and a couple of cloves of garlic. Remove the rosemary and garlic, put the meat in the pan. If you do not overcook on fire, you will get a good and tasty steak.

Still, for best results, I recommend using a grill pan. I have two of these on my farm: KitchenAid and Le Creuset. The first one I usually use for frying fish and vegetables. I recently talked about it, you can read it. In addition to the story about the pan itself, which is also a lid for a cauldron, I shared many of my interesting and tasty recipes there. nine0003

For grilling meat steaks, I use Le Creuset. The explanation for this is simple: its size and square shape allow you to conveniently place and fry two steaks at the same time.

Two steaks in one pan

The advantage of a grill pan over a conventional one is that it allows not only not to overcook the meat, leaving air gaps under it, thanks to the ribs on the surface, but also to draw a nice lattice on the steak, as if the meat really roasted on the grate over the fire. nine0003

Ribs on the Le Creuset grill pan

When buying cast iron cookware, the manufacturer usually recommends that you heat it before using it for the first time. I don’t like to do this, I don’t need a smoke screen in the apartment, so I choose dishes that don’t require it. Like KitchenAid, Le Creuset does not need to be seasoned. Everything has already been done before the sale. And it is true. Already at the first use, the pan did not smoke, and the products did not burn on it.

This pan can be used on any fire: gas, electric and induction hob, oven. I use on electric glass ceramics. Over the years, her bottom, of course, turned black. But I don't see this as a problem. nine0003

Le Creuset grill pan square

The manufacturer allows you to wash the pan in the dishwasher. I never do it. According to my personal beliefs, this still spoils cast-iron cookware. Of course, it is beneficial for manufacturers that their products periodically have to be replaced with a new one. But it's not good for me. So I wash my hands. By the hands of my husband, to be honest, because the vessel is quite heavy - almost 3 kg.

Le Creuset pan weight

In addition to beef steaks, I occasionally cook lamb cutlets and pork escalopes in this pan. The lamb turns out to be very tasty, the meat is covered with a golden crust on top, and inside and near the bone it remains soft and juicy. I can’t say anything special about pork, meat and meat. Unlike milk pigs, the meat of adults does not cause me much enthusiasm. But I cook when my husband asks.

Grilled pork escalopes

How to cook a steak on a grill pan, recipe and technology

If you have never grilled a steak at home, you want, but are afraid, consider that the time has come. Let's do it together.

An important rule to remember is that steak meat should be at room temperature. I usually take the meat out of the fridge, take it out of the packaging, soak it with paper towels if there is excess moisture, and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour.

My grill pan, like any good cast iron pan, allows you to cook steaks without oil. But I still add it. Literally 3-4 drops, which I smear over the entire surface with a silicone brush. Then the crust turns out more beautiful, as for me. nine0003

So, in a hot frying pan, I drip oil, and then I put the prepared meat, which I salt and pepper immediately before putting it in the frying pan. And only on the side that will be in contact with the hot surface. Then immediately turn on the timer to keep track of time.

Pay attention to how you placed the steak in the pan, parallel or perpendicular to the ribs, to draw a grid on it, rather than overlapping lines.

nine0002 The meat is perpendicular to the ribs in the pan.

Salt and pepper the meat before turning it over. When you turn over for the third time, change not only the side, but also the direction by 90 degrees.

Stripes on the steak from the ribs of the grill pan

If you want a diamond pattern instead of squares, place the meat diagonally.

Diagonal stripes on a steak

It would be perfect if the cooked steaks are placed on a warm plate. But we are still at home, not in a restaurant, so it hardly makes sense to buy a special device for heating dinner dishes. You can put the plates under the oven if it is turned on, if not, dishes at normal room temperature will do. nine0003

At the end of the time, I simply transfer my steak to a plate and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. I finish my husband's steak a little. If you like medium roasting, you can do the same.

Transfer the steak to the foil, spread a small piece of butter over it and wrap the piece in foil. Hold for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a plate.

Steak in foil with butter

I prefer to serve steak with vegetables. I use it during asparagus season. At other times - frozen mixtures of vegetables. nine0003

Rib eye steak medium done

And one more little secret

Any steak will be nicer and tastier if you add it with a glass of dry red wine. In my opinion, the Spanish San Valentin and Follow the white rabbit or the French La Fiole are wonderful.

recipe, photos, recommendations for cooking. Gongbao Chicken Original Recipe Chinese Gongbao Chicken

Cooking instructions

30 minutes print nine0003

In Chinese cuisine, there is one spicy dish that is in great demand among Europeans and is served in expensive restaurants. We are talking about Kung Pao chicken, the recipe of which allows you to make this dish at home. Let's cook the chicken in the original Szechuan way, with a lot of ingredients.

Traditional gongbao chicken recipe

Ingredients:

  1. Cut the chicken into small pieces, about one and a half centimeters. Add two teaspoons of soy sauce, the same amount of Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp. corn starch. Mix everything thoroughly, put to marinate for half an hour.
  2. Crush with pestle and mortar 1 tbsp. l. dry Sichuan hot pepper. Mix the greens of the chopped onion with it, setting aside the light parts for now. nine0011
  3. Mix unused Sen Soy, rice wine and starch in a new bowl. Put there 1 tbsp. l. black Chinese vinegar and chili paste, as well as 1 tsp. Sahara. Mix the mass until all the starch is dissolved. The special chicken sauce is ready, you will need it in the recipe later.
  4. Pour odorless refined oil into a saucepan, heat over high heat. Put in the remaining half of the Sichuan unground pepper and dried chile peppers. Fry for about 15 seconds until a fragrant smell appears, then strain the oil with a strainer. nine0011
  5. Put the wok on high heat and pour in 20 ml of peanut butter. Pour half of the marinated fillet pieces and fry for one minute. Further, for 2 minutes. fry, stirring quickly. Transfer chicken to a separate bowl. After wiping the pan with a paper towel and pouring another 20 ml of oil, fry the second half of the fillet in the same way.
  6. Slice the leeks into wide rings. Wipe the wok with a paper towel, add another 20 ml of peanut oil and fry the onion for 1 minute so that it does not lose its fresh crunch. nine0011
  7. Add previously cooked peppers, shelled unsalted peanuts and chicken pieces. Pour the rest of the oil - 20 ml. Then, pushing the whole mass to the edge, put chopped white onion particles, as well as garlic and ginger. Fry 15 sec.
  8. Place in a separate bowl. Mix the ingredients, adding sauce to taste (from the 3rd paragraph). Sprinkle in the rest of the Sichuan peppercorns and green onions. Gongbao chicken according to the recipe is cooked and ready to be served.

“In order for the dish to turn out as in the photo, all the ingredients must be fresh and of high quality.” nine0003

Serve and garnish

To ensure that everything looks appetizing when served, no chicken components should burn. This requires a good wok. These frying pans are made of high quality and well-finished steel.

Foreign odors and tastes should be avoided. To do this, the wok is washed with a stiff brush under plain water. You don't need to put any detergent in there. During cooking, no extra components are added - no “gag” is needed. These rules will help convey the delicate flavor of the dish. nine0003

After the chicken is made according to the recipe, the dish is immediately served hot. You don't have to wait for it to cool down. The dish is not supposed to be heated, if you follow the tradition to the end. If, after the lapse of time, it has cooled down, it should be eaten directly cold.

No salt or sugar required. The first abound in the food itself. The second does not fit the dish, as well as the cuisine of China (they do not like it). Taking chicken with chopsticks or spoons is the choice of the owners.


If you want to eat properly, rice or rice noodles are a good side dish. It is the only side dish recognized by the southern Chinese. They eat it all the time in different forms, preferring to steam it - it tastes better that way. It should be insipid, and they always eat it with other food - to saturate. nine0002 Chinese wine is suitable for drinks. To dampen the spiciness a little, there should be glasses of clean drinking water with pieces of ice on the table (the best drink for removing the spiciness in the mouth is full-fat dairy products). A good option for the same purpose would be a plate of bread. Do not neglect the last tips - Asian cuisine is incredibly hot, especially for those who try it for the first time.

“There may be people at the table who are unprepared for a spicy dish or with gastritis. Everyone needs to be warned that today the “highlight” of the table is Kung Pao.” nine0003

Marinade and sauce ingredients

The gongbao sauce discussed in the recipe is not the only one that can be used to make Szechuan chicken. The Chinese use various varieties of spicy gravy. The ingredients described in this recipe are typical for oriental cuisine:

Chinese rice wine.

Black rice vinegar. nine0003

“If some products are difficult to get in local stores, you can use versions of Szechuan chicken recipes adapted for Russian cuisine.”

Summing up

There are a lot of other recipes for this chicken even in China, not to mention national variations. Sesame oil sometimes "participates" in the marinade. Some chili peppers are cut into pieces and diluted with sweet red pepper. Peanuts are boldly replaced with cashews. So it is hardly possible to call the above cooking method the only original, taken almost from the hands of Ding Baozhen himself, the author of Kung Pao Chicken. nine0010

How tasty it is in Beijing. We moaned with pleasure every time. For 8 days we visited 8 different places and, already previously tested, familiar, and there were a couple of new ones. Everywhere is fantastic. They didn't hit the Peking duck because of Putin's arrival - all the entrances were blocked. And our driver said he couldn't come. In Beijing, precautionary measures began to be taken as much as two weeks before the visit. Enhanced security everywhere. Everything is very grown-up there, much cooler than here.

Report on places of military glory eaten by ladies later. nine0010 And now my task is to have time to set up a chicken for the community promotion gotovim_vmeste2 .
I especially liked a few Chinese dishes, I even managed to ask around, and they explained to me on my fingers, in a little Russian, how it can be cooked at home. Got a general idea. Next time I'll ask the kitchen to "look around".

We were served chicken with peanuts in two restaurants in Beijing. The taste is slightly different, but it's like pancakes or borscht from two different housewives. Gongbao chicken is a classic of Sichuan cuisine, one of the most famous recipes, so there are many cooking options. nine0003

I was warned from the very beginning that it would not work like in Beijing. Let it be then a la, with a discount on our products, on a simplified version and on my lack of skills in cooking Chinese food. But I know how it should look and taste, which should turn out.

Why am I late again, even though I knew in advance what I would cook?
I found a similar recipe on the Russian Internet.
Did. Delicious, but this is not the chicken that we were served From the very beginning, we were alerted that in the Russian version some huge amount of fillet is taken from 0.5 kg (that's still nothing) to 1.5 kg! The Chinese do not make such portions! nine0010 I got into the English language, I was much more fortunate. I found videos in English, recorded by Chinese women. Some people make this chicken in a pan, by the way.

I repeated everything from the beginning today.

All components should be approximately the same size.
Before cooking, weigh, cut all the necessary products, arrange in bowls. The cooking process is fast enough so that later you do not rush around the kitchen like a squirrel.

For 1-2 servings: nine0314

250 g chicken fillet
a handful of peanuts
a few stalks of green onions (white part)
1-2 cloves of garlic
5-6 dry chili pods l. peanut butter or corn oil
1 tbsp. l. corn starch
3 tbsp. l dark soy sauce
1 tbsp. l. brown sugar
1 tbsp. l rice wine
1 tbsp. l. rice vinegar;
1 tsp sesame oil
3 tbsp. l. cold water


Mix egg white with 1 tbsp. l. starch, ½ tsp. Sahara. nine0010 Chicken breast cut into cubes, a little more than peanuts. It must be remembered that the chicken shrinks during frying. Put the meat in the marinade and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Cut the onion diagonally every 1.5-2 cm.
Finely chop the garlic.
A chili pepper - coarsely chopped, seeds removed.
Stir starch in 2 tablespoons of water.
Make a sauce by mixing all the ingredients: the remaining sugar, starch water, soy sauce, wine, vinegar and sesame oil.
In a wok over high heat in vegetable oil, fry the peanuts for a minute, remove and set aside. nine0010 Add the chili to the oil, after a few seconds add the chicken breast, stir, then after a couple of minutes, the onion and
the garlic.
Stir, pour in the sauce around the circumference (along the wall of the wok), mix. Stir and shake the chicken until the sauce thickens and coats everything in an even layer. Serve immediately.


And this is what we were served in a restaurant in Beijing. Nearby is bread, unleavened strips of toasted dough with sesame seeds. And the chicken itself is also sprinkled with sesame seeds on top.

And this is from another restaurant. Here, even in the photo you can see that the chicken is not only with chili peppers, but also with fresh peppers.

I'm making a video.

Maybe it will help someone!

Gongbao Chicken is one of the many popular dishes in Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan is one of the provinces of China, a feature of the cuisine of this region is the spiciness of the dishes. Almost any version of a Chinese dish in Szechuan will be many times spicier.

Gongbao chicken, like other Chinese dishes, is prepared from a minimum of ingredients, and the result is a magnificent fragrant and very tasty dish. In my family, my husband loves this chicken very much, because it turns out to be quite spicy. If you are not a big fan of spicy dishes, put a little chili pepper. nine0003

My deviation from the recipe: instead of chicken breast fillet, I used leg fillet, we now have such a fillet on sale. To be honest, with this fillet, the meat turns out to be tastier, it has a little fat on it, which makes the fillet juicy. Now about soy sauce: it should be light and not concentrated. When I was at home, I found just such a one for sale, the dark one never got caught, although I was looking for it.

So, let's start cooking gongbao chicken.

Cut the chicken fillet into medium-sized pieces, not the way meat is usually cut into wok, but larger. nine0003

Let's prepare the meat marinade. To do this, mix sesame oil, brown sugar and light soy sauce. I would not recommend you to replace these products with analogues. The secret of this dish is in the marinade.

We put the chicken fillet in the marinade and mix the meat with the marinade well with our hands so that each piece is in the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and send the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

IMPORTANT: If you leave the meat to marinate overnight, then you will not need to fry it for a long time, because the marinade will make the meat very tender. nine0003

Fry marinated meat in a wok pan in vegetable oil in small portions so that the meat is in one layer. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Peel and finely chop the garlic, cut the chili pepper into thin rings, cut the green onion with the white part into 3-4 cm pieces.

After all the meat is fried, put the vegetables into the wok pan and quickly fry them for 2-3 minutes until soft.

We return the fried meat to the pan with the vegetables and pour in the remaining marinade. Add cayenne pepper and adjust if necessary. Cook the chicken, stirring, for another 10 minutes.

Gongbao chicken served with boiled rice and fresh vegetables.

Chicken meat is incredibly juicy, tender and fragrant! Bon appetit!

Many dishes of Asian cuisine, invented in antiquity, have survived to this day almost unchanged. Moreover, history has preserved the names of their creators. This is not surprising, because traditions and continuity of experience of generations are the main values ​​in the East. nine0003

The same thing happened with the Gongbao chicken recipe. The author of the culinary masterpiece is Ding Baozhen - a dignitary, and then a guard of the imperial palace from Sichuan province (western China). Fried chicken pieces were a signature dish that the hospitable host often spoiled his guests with.

Burning notes in the dish did not sound immediately. The Chinese began to use spices to add local flavor - Sichuan cuisine is full of pungency and spice. But the name was fixed almost instantly - "chicken according to the recipe of the palace guard", which in Chinese sounds "gongbao". nine0003

The wise Ding Baozhen did not make a secret from the recipe of his masterpiece, and today Gongbao chicken (Kung Pao) with pepper and peanuts is a traditional Chinese dish that has found its fans all over the world.

Despite the abundance of ingredients, the preparation process is incredibly simple, and the result is worth the effort. Let's cook together!

We need:

  • chicken breast - 1 piece;
  • sweet bell pepper - 2 pcs. ;
  • green fresh cucumber - 2 pcs.; nine0011
  • hot chili pepper - 1 pc.;
  • fresh ginger root - 5-8 cm;
  • garlic - 3 cloves;
  • peanuts - 80 g;
  • sugar - 3 tbsp. l.;
  • hot cayenne pepper - ½ tsp;
  • water - 6 tbsp. l.
  • soy sauce - 4 tbsp. l.
  • starch (preferably corn) - 2 tsp;
  • salt, ground black pepper, red paprika - to taste.

Cooking process:

Wash the chicken breast, remove membranes and cartilage, cut into thin strips 3-5 cm long and 1.5 cm thick.

Prepare the marinade: 4 tbsp. l. soy sauce mixed with 6 tbsp. l. warm water and 3 tbsp. l. sugar (you can replace 20 ml of honey).

Pour half the marinade over the chicken, mix and leave in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Roast peanuts for 2-3 minutes in a dry frying pan, cool, peel off.

At this time, peel the hot pepper from the stalk and seeds, cut into thin rings. Peel the garlic and ginger root, finely chop. nine0003

Bulgarian pepper and cucumber cut into large strips, similar in size to chicken fillet.

When the chicken has marinated, place a frying pan over high heat. Throw hot ingredients - garlic, chili and ginger into well-heated vegetable oil, stir vigorously for 2-3 minutes.

Next to the frying pan (ideally use a thick-walled wok) arrange the chicken fillet. Move fire to medium. Stir occasionally, fry until browned. nine0003

Add bell peppers, cucumbers, spices and peanuts. Simmer over low heat until vegetables are soft. Add cornstarch to the rest of the marinade, mix, add to the chicken. Simmer the dish under the lid until a thick sauce consistency.

You can serve spicy chicken Gongbao with rice, wheat or buckwheat noodles, or as an independent dish.

Chicken with so many spices and ingredients is very spicy. If the treat is intended for children or guests whose tastes you do not know, it is better to reduce the amount of hot and cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger.

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