Fragrant Crispy Chicken Legs
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description:
Embark on a culinary journey with this authentic Chinese recipe for Fragrant Crispy Chicken Legs. Originating from the kitchens of China and passed down through generations, this recipe promises a tantalizing fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Perfect for serving at large gatherings or intimate family dinners, these chicken legs boast a complexity that is well worth the effort. Plus, they offer the convenience of being freezer-friendly, allowing you to savor their deliciousness whenever the craving strikes. Dive into the essence of Chinese cuisine with this fragrant and crispy delight, sourced straight from “The People’s Republic of China Cookbook.”
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Chinese, Asian
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1056.7
- Fat Content: 57.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 376.8mg
- Sodium Content: 5255.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 14g
- Protein Content: 90.1g
Recipe Yield: 2 lbs
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken legs
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons rice wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Drumsticks: Begin by marinating the chicken legs in a flavorful blend of Chinese five spice powder, sugar, salt, soy sauce, dry sherry, and rice wine. Allow the chicken to soak up these aromatic flavors for 4 to 5 hours in the refrigerator, ensuring each bite is infused with authentic Chinese taste.
-
Prepare the Steamer: While the chicken marinates, prepare your steaming apparatus. Whether you’re using a traditional bamboo steamer or a modern steaming device, ensure it’s ready to go for the next step in this culinary adventure.
-
Steam the Drumsticks: Once adequately marinated, transfer the chicken legs to the steamer. Cover them with aluminum foil, making sure to pierce several small holes in the foil to allow steam to circulate. Steam the drumsticks for one hour, maintaining a constant check on the water level in the steamer to ensure there’s always enough liquid to generate steam.
-
Air Dry: After steaming, remove the drumsticks from the steamer and allow them to air dry for a couple of hours. This step helps achieve that desired crispiness when it’s time to fry them to perfection.
-
Dredge with Cornstarch: When you’re ready to indulge in crispy goodness, dredge the steamed drumsticks in cornstarch, coating them evenly. This coating not only adds a delightful crunch but also helps seal in the moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
-
Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep frying pan to a temperature between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). Carefully add the drumsticks to the hot oil, frying them in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Keep a close eye on them as they sizzle to golden brown perfection, turning them occasionally for even cooking.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and crispy, remove the fragrant chicken legs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot and fresh, garnished with your favorite herbs or dipping sauces, and watch as they disappear within moments, leaving behind satisfied smiles and memories of a culinary adventure well enjoyed.
Bon Appétit! 🍗🥢
