When you use chopsticks to pick up a piece of chicken, the rich aroma of wine and the sweet scent of the chicken blend together, creating a delightful fragrance that is hard to resist. When you take a bite, the smooth texture and delicious taste of the chicken leave you intoxicated. The rich texture and unique flavor of this dish are the essence of Cantonese cuisine. Apart from being mouthwatering, it is also highly nutritious. Chicken is packed with protein and various essential nutrients, which contribute to increased energy levels and a strengthened immune system. Therefore, consuming this dish not only offers a culinary pleasure but also promotes health and well-being.
Ingredients for Braised Chicken in Clay Pot
| Chicken drumstick | three |
| Salt | 6g |
| Pepper powder | 7g |
| Cooking wine | 12g |
| Beer | 18g |
| Soy sauce | 9g |
| Oyster sauce | 11g |
| Mature vinegar | 5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Ginger | 10g |
| Onion | 20g |
| Green pepper | 12g |
| Red pepper | 9g |
Steps:
1.After cleaning the chicken thighs, chop them into small pieces and sprinkle a little salt, a pinch of pepper, and a dash of cooking wine. Mix well with your hands and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2.Next, prepare the sauce. Find an empty bowl and add a tablespoon of cooking wine, two tablespoons of soy sauce, two tablespoons of oyster sauce, a tablespoon of vinegar, a tablespoon of cooking wine, a tablespoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of pepper. Stir until well combined.
3.When heating the pan with oil, set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil temperature reaches about 70% hotness. You can test by lightly touching the oil surface with chopsticks or a wooden spatula to feel the slight warmth. At this point, take a small handful of sliced ginger and evenly sprinkle it into the oil, listening for a faint sizzling sound as the oil and ginger blend together. Then, gently place the marinated chicken into the pan, reducing the heat to avoid splattering. As the chicken comes into contact with the hot oil, you’ll hear a slight sizzling sound similar to frying.
4.Maintain the appropriate heat and cooking time until the chicken turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and enjoy. This method will bring out the rich aroma of ginger and the deliciousness of the chicken.
5.In another clay pot, heat a sufficient amount of oil over medium-high heat. Wait for the oil to become hot, and you’ll smell its fragrance filling the air. Next, thinly slice garlic and chop onions into small pieces. Add the sliced garlic and chopped onions to the clay pot, stirring well until you hear a sizzling sound. At this point, the aroma becomes irresistible. Now gently add the pan-fried chicken thighs into the clay pot, then pour the pre-prepared sauce over them, ensuring every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning. This step is crucial as the rich flavor of the sauce will penetrate the chicken, giving it a delectable taste. Cover the clay pot with its lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for approximately 8 minutes.
6.When the time is up, gently uncover the lid, and a delightful aroma will greet you. Quickly slice the red and green bell peppers and arrange them neatly on top of the cooked chicken. The bright color of the red pepper complements the refreshing taste of the green pepper, adding visual appeal to the dish. To garnish the dish, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top, and then you can enjoy the deliciousness.
Tips
1.Marinating the chicken: Before frying, marinate the chicken in advance for better flavor. You can use ginger juice, salt, and cooking wine to marinate the chicken, allowing it to absorb the fragrances of garlic and ginger.
2.Frying technique: Prior to heating the pan with oil, ensure the bottom of the pan is dry to prevent oil splatter. In addition, you can test the oil temperature by lightly touching the surface with chopsticks or a wooden spatula to sense the mild heat before adding the ginger slices and chicken.
3.Sauce preparation: Customize the sauce according to personal preference, typically including light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and chicken bouillon, among others. Experiment with different ratios of seasonings to achieve the desired taste and color.
4.Handling the bell peppers: When adding the sliced red and green bell peppers at the end, maintain their crisp texture. They only need a quick stir-fry to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Braised Chicken Clay Pot is not only a delicious dish but also a representation of our hometown and a symbol of nostalgia. It brings us more than just culinary satisfaction; it enables us to seek the emotions tied to our homeland. No matter where we are, savoring a bite of Braised Chicken Clay Pot can evoke the comforting feeling of home in our hearts.