Northeastern-style traditional five-spice smoked chicken is a highly distinctive and beloved traditional dish known for its rich five-spice flavor and unique texture. This dish features high-quality chicken that undergoes meticulous preparation through multiple steps. During the cooking process, the chicken is marinated and smoked, allowing it to absorb the aromatic flavors of the five-spice blend, resulting in a flavorful and well-rounded taste. The chicken has a crispy exterior and tender meat that is irresistibly delicious. In addition, Northeastern-style five-spice smoked chicken is also nutritionally valuable. Chicken is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, providing ample energy and nutrients. This dish contains beneficial components such as calcium, iron, zinc, and various vitamins, offering nourishment and enhancing physical strength. In summary, Northeastern-style traditional five-spice smoked chicken is a delicious and nutritious traditional delicacy. It not only boasts fantastic flavors but also provides a wealth of nutritional benefits. If you haven’t tried this dish yet, give it a try, and you’ll surely fall in love with its delectable taste and unique qualities.
Ingredients for Five-spice smoked chicken:
| Chicken | 500g |
| Green onion | 10g |
| Ginger | 10g |
| Salt | 8g |
| Dark soy sauce | 5g |
| Star anise | 3g |
| Cinnamon bark | 3g |
| Fragrant leaves | 2g |
| Sichuan Pepper | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Tea | 8g |
Step:
1.Before handling the chicken, we need to prepare a whole chicken. First, remove the internal organs and thoroughly clean the chicken, ensuring that both the inside and outside of the chicken are clean and free from impurities. Next, we will trim off the tips of the chicken claws and beak to present a more appealing appearance. Another interesting technique is to tuck the chicken head into the chicken’s rear end. This step not only adds visual interest to the dish but some believe it also makes the meat more tender and flavorful. Through these steps, we have performed preliminary preparation on the whole chicken, ensuring its cleanliness while adding unique details and fun.
2.Next, we can start by heating water in a pot and placing the prepared whole chicken into it. Adding a small amount of cooking wine to the water helps eliminate any unpleasant odors and enhances the freshness of the chicken. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the whole chicken into the boiling water for blanching, which should take about a minute. Blanching aims to remove blood and impurities while improving the texture and tenderness of the chicken meat. After approximately one minute of blanching, use utensils to lift the chicken out of the pot and place it in lukewarm water to drain excess moisture. Through these steps, we have briefly blanched the whole chicken, removing some impurities and blood, leaving the chicken cleaner and more visually pleasing.
3.Next, add clean water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Place the blanched chicken into the pot along with sliced scallions and ginger. Add an adequate amount of salt to the pot, slightly more according to personal taste, to ensure a rich flavor of the chicken. Then, add an appropriate amount of dark soy sauce to give color to the chicken and enhance its aroma. Next, add some star anise, cinnamon bark, fragrant leaves, and Sichuan peppers to bring a rich aroma to the stewed chicken. Start by boiling the water over high heat, and once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the chicken soak in the broth for about 1.5 hours. This allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors of the broth, making it tender and flavorful. Through these steps, we have simmered the chicken with various seasonings and spices. Now, it’s time to patiently wait as the stewed chicken slowly absorbs the flavors until it becomes fragrant and delicious.
4.After an hour, carefully remove the stewed chicken from the pot. Next, prepare a pan and ensure it is clean and free from any moisture, oil, or foreign substances. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the pan and sprinkle some white sugar and tea leaves onto the foil. Then, place a rack on top of the foil and arrange the stewed chicken, with the skin side up, on the rack. Adjust the heat to high and slowly barbecue the whole chicken. When the white sugar starts to smoke, do not immediately cover the pan. Continue observing until a slightly yellowish smoke emerges, indicating a flavorful result without any bitter taste. At this point, cover the pan and wait for about 30 seconds before opening the lid. Through these steps, using a combination of a rack and aluminum foil, as well as high-temperature grilling, we can achieve a golden, crispy exterior for the stewed chicken. This treatment enhances the deliciousness, juiciness, and imparts a unique smoky tea aroma to the chicken.
5.After opening the lid, you will see a Northeastern-style traditional five-spice smoked chicken that is highly representative of the region’s culinary characteristics. At this point, tear the chicken into small pieces and place them in a serving dish, ready to be enjoyed. This Northeastern-style traditional five-spice smoked chicken boasts a rich aroma and distinctive five-spice flavor, with each bite offering a tempting blend of crispiness and tenderness. When savoring this delightful dish, you will experience the unique charm of Northeastern flavors and indulge in the satisfaction and enjoyment brought by the five-spice smoked chicken.
Tips:
1.The chicken needs to be soaked and rinsed to remove impurities and blood before blanching.
2.When smoking the chicken, it is important to pay attention to the heat and time to avoid overcooking or charring the meat.
Northeastern-style traditional five-spice smoked chicken is a delightful dish that combines color, aroma, and taste. Its distinct five-spice flavor immediately whets the appetite. Through marination and smoking, the chicken absorbs the aromatic spices, releasing an irresistible taste. During festive occasions, families in Northeastern China prepare this dish, bringing joy and deliciousness to their loved ones. This dish is not just a culinary delight but also a way to convey emotions, making people feel the warmth and happiness of home.