Crispy Chinese-style fried chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to your dinner. The combination of tender, succulent chicken wrapped in a crispy, flavorful crust is sure to be loved by your family. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make this delicious dish, including an introduction, nutritional values, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Introduce
Chinese fried chicken is a popular dish that combines traditional Chinese flavors with the beloved appeal of fried chicken. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, with a crispy crust giving way to juicy, flavorful meat. Whether served as a main course or as part of a larger party, this dish is sure to impress.
Nutritional value
Understanding the nutritional content of the foods we prepare is important for maintaining a balanced diet. Here are the approximate nutritional values for a serving of Chinese fried chicken (one piece):
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Fat: 12-15g
Fiber: 1-2g
Sodium: 500-600mg
Cholesterol: 70-90mg
These values may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the exact ingredients used. Can be adjusted to suit dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredient
To make delicious Chinese-style crispy fried chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
For the marinade:
2 pounds (about 1 kg) chicken (wings, thighs or drumsticks)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 inch long piece of ginger, minced
For coating:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
To fry:
Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Optional decoration:
Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Instruct
Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, ground white pepper, five-spice powder, minced garlic and minced ginger.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results
Step 2: Prepare coating
In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and ground white pepper.
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Roll each chicken piece in the flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly. Shake off excess powder.
Step 3: Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry in batches for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy
Once all the chicken pieces are fried, put them in a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes.
frequently asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces such as chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Adjust frying time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster.
Question 2: What can I use instead of Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or rice vinegar instead, the flavor will be a little different but still delicious.
Question 3: How to make chicken more spicy?
To add a little spiciness to fried chicken, you can add chili powder or a little spicy sauce to the marinade. Additionally, you can sprinkle some chili powder into the flour mixture.
Question 4: Can I grill chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can roast chicken for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the seasoned chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Question 5: How should I preserve leftovers?
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the chicken again.
Question 6: What type of dipping sauce is suitable for Chinese fried chicken?
Chinese fried chicken pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or even spicy Sriracha mayonnaise.
Conclusion
Making delicious crispy Chinese fried chicken at home is easier than you think. With the right ingredients and a little preparation, you can create a delicious dish your family will love. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the great flavor combination and satisfying crunch with every bite