🥢 Introducing a tantalizing recipe straight from the heart of Chinese cuisine: Chinese Fried Chicken! Inspired by the culinary wonders of The Cooking of China, this dish promises a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Asia. With a marination process that infuses each piece with savory goodness, followed by a crispy fry that locks in all the succulent juices, this recipe is a true testament to the artistry of Chinese cooking. 🍗
Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 – 3 lbs chicken pieces (2 wings, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 breast halves)
- 2 cups soy sauce
- 1 cup sherry wine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- 1/2 gingerroot, grated
- 3 cups flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by chopping the chicken pieces into 2-inch chunks, cutting across the bones for easy frying.
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Rinse and Drain: Give the chicken a good rinse, then drain it and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior.
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, sherry wine, salt, sugar, chopped scallion, and grated gingerroot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve, creating a fragrant marinade. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, tossing them well to ensure they’re thoroughly coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours at room temperature, or for an even richer flavor, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
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Prepare for Frying: Once the marinating time is up, drain the marinade from the chicken and discard it. Then, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
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Heat the Oil: Pour the oil into a wok or deep-fryer, heating it over medium-high heat until it forms a slight haze or reaches 375°F (190°C) on a deep-frying thermometer. This ensures that the chicken fries up to golden perfection without becoming greasy.
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Coat the Chicken: While the oil heats up, prepare the coating by placing the flour in a plastic or paper baggie. Add the chicken pieces to the bag and shake vigorously to coat each piece evenly with flour, creating a crispy crust that seals in the juiciness of the chicken.
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Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken, turning it frequently, for about 5 minutes or until it turns a beautiful golden brown on both sides. Cooking in batches ensures that each piece cooks evenly and retains its crispy texture.
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Drain and Serve: As the chicken pieces finish cooking, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Once all the chicken is fried to perfection, arrange it on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve your Chinese Fried Chicken hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces or alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning a festive Asian-themed feast, this Chinese Fried Chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its irresistible combination of savory marinade and crispy coating, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to the heart of China with this mouthwatering recipe! 🍽️🥢
