Char Siu Chicken

Introduction:

Experience the tantalizing flavors of Cantonese cuisine with a mouthwatering dish of Char Siu Chicken. This traditional Chinese barbecue dish features succulent chicken marinated in a sweet and savory glaze, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Let’s delve into the world of Char Siu Chicken and learn how to recreate this exotic delicacy in your own kitchen.

1. A Culinary Journey to Cantonese Cuisine: Char Siu Chicken is a beloved dish in Cantonese cuisine, renowned for its bold flavors and tender texture. Originating from southern China, Char Siu is traditionally made with pork, but this variation swaps pork for chicken, offering a lighter and healthier option without compromising on taste.
2. The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory: The key to Char Siu Chicken lies in its signature marinade, which balances sweet and savory elements to perfection. Typically made with a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and other aromatics, the marinade infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor as it grills to juicy perfection.
3. Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Taste: One of the highlights of Char Siu Chicken is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s bursting with authentic Cantonese flavors. Plus, the marinade doubles as a glaze, giving the chicken a glossy finish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
4. Grilling Perfection: While Char Siu Chicken can be prepared using various cooking methods, grilling is the preferred technique for achieving that signature charred exterior and smoky flavor. Whether you’re using a barbecue grill or a stovetop grill pan, the key is to cook the chicken over medium heat, basting it with the marinade for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Versatile Serving Options: Char Siu Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it as a main course alongside steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal, or slice it thinly and use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious twist.

Ingredients:

300 grams Chicken Thigh (fatty ones are best)
Marinade
1 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (or Kecap Manis)
2 tbsps Brown Sugar
2 cloves Garlic, pureed or grated
1 inch Ginger, pureed or grated
1 tsp Chinese Five Spice powder
Pinch of White Pepper
1 tsp Red Food Colouring (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the marinade in a bowl or ziplock bag.
Add the chicken and let it marinade a minimum of 2 hours to overnight in the refridgerator.
Take the chicken out of of the fridge, and allow to warm to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes so it’s not going in the oven very cold. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 degrees celcius or 390 degrees fahrenheit.
Lay chicken on a baking tray and pop in the preheated oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes, before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Green Onions: Before serving, garnish your Char Siu Chicken with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Serve with Steamed Rice: Pair your Char Siu Chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delicious marinade and juices.
3. Add a Side of Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas to create a well-balanced meal.
4. Slice Thinly for Appetizers: If serving Char Siu Chicken as an appetizer or party snack, slice it thinly and arrange it on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
5. Include Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces such as hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, or soy sauce on the side for guests to customize their flavor experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If you have leftover Char Siu Chicken, allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
2. Consume Within 3-4 Days: Enjoy leftover Char Siu Chicken within 3-4 days for the best quality. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
3. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you don’t plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the cooled Char Siu Chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
4. Thaw Properly Before Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen Char Siu Chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the meat.
5. Store Marinade Separately: If you have extra marinade leftover, store it separately from the cooked chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator. You can use it to baste grilled meats or as a sauce for other dishes.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Char Siu Chicken remains delicious and enjoyable, whether served fresh from the grill or reheated as leftovers.

FAQ’s:

1. What is Char Siu Chicken? Char Siu Chicken is a Cantonese-style barbecue dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then grilled to perfection.
2. Can I use other meats besides chicken for Char Siu? Yes, traditionally Char Siu is made with pork, but you can also use other meats such as beef, duck, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. What gives Char Siu Chicken its signature flavor? The signature flavor of Char Siu Chicken comes from its marinade, which typically includes ingredients like hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese five-spice powder, and sometimes fermented tofu.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken for? For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
5. Can I cook Char Siu Chicken in the oven instead of grilling? Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook Char Siu Chicken in the oven. Simply roast it at a high temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) until cooked through and caramelized.
6. What’s the best way to grill Char Siu Chicken? Grill Char Siu Chicken over medium heat, basting it with the marinade frequently to keep it moist and flavorful. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized on the outside.
7. Can I freeze Char Siu Chicken? Yes, you can freeze Char Siu Chicken either before or after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
8. What should I serve with Char Siu Chicken? Char Siu Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, as well as stir-fried or steamed vegetables.
9. Is Char Siu Chicken spicy? Char Siu Chicken is not typically spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chili sauce or pepper to the marinade.
10. Can I reheat leftover Char Siu Chicken? Yes, you can reheat leftover Char Siu Chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

Embark on a culinary adventure with Char Siu Chicken, a flavorful masterpiece that captures the essence of Cantonese cuisine in every bite. With its sweet and savory marinade, tender grilled chicken, and versatile serving options, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the exotic flavors of Char Siu Chicken in the comfort of your own home.