How to Steam Chicken Like a Chinese Restaurant
If you’ve ever dined at a Chinese restaurant, you’ve probably enjoyed their perfectly steamed chicken dishes—juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. The technique used to steam chicken in these restaurants is often a secret to achieving such a delicate texture and rich taste. But you don’t need to be a chef at a Chinese restaurant to replicate this dish in your own kitchen. With a few simple steps and the right techniques, you can steam chicken just like the professionals. In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of steaming chicken, step by step, and share tips that will make your dish even more delicious.
1. Choosing the Right Chicken for Steaming
The first step to steaming chicken like a Chinese restaurant is selecting the right type of chicken. In Chinese cuisine, the preferred cut of chicken for steaming is often the whole chicken or chicken breasts and thighs. These cuts allow the meat to stay moist while cooking. When choosing chicken, make sure to buy fresh, high-quality meat. Ideally, you want chicken that is tender and has a natural flavor, as it will absorb the seasonings during the steaming process. I personally prefer using bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture. The bone helps retain moisture and the meat becomes incredibly tender when steamed.
Once you’ve selected your chicken, make sure it’s clean and properly prepared. If you’re using a whole chicken, remove any unwanted feathers and trim off excess fat. For chicken breasts or thighs, make sure they are boneless if you prefer a quicker cooking time, although bone-in cuts provide a more flavorful result.
2. Preparing the Steamer Setup
Steaming chicken is all about creating the perfect environment to cook the meat gently while maintaining its flavor and moisture. While you can use a traditional bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket or even a steamer insert for a pot can also work effectively. Here’s how to set it up:
- Bamboo Steamer: This traditional Chinese method is ideal for even steam distribution. Place the bamboo steamer over a wok or large pot of simmering water. Make sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Metal Steamer Basket: If you don’t have a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket is a great alternative. Place the chicken in the basket, and position it above simmering water in a large pot.
- Steamer Insert: If you’re using a regular pot, you can buy a steamer insert that sits inside the pot. This is a great option for making multiple batches of steamed chicken at once.
Whichever method you choose, the goal is to ensure the chicken is not submerged in water. The steam should surround the chicken and cook it evenly.
3. Marinating the Chicken for Flavor
Chinese restaurant-style steamed chicken isn’t just about the cooking process—it’s also about the flavor. A good marinade enhances the natural taste of the chicken, making it even more delicious. To achieve this, I recommend a simple marinade made from soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a dash of sugar. This mixture adds depth of flavor and a slight sweetness to the chicken.
Here’s a simple marinade recipe:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Mix these ingredients together and rub them generously onto the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to seep into the meat, ensuring a tender and flavorful dish.
4. Steaming the Chicken
Now that you have your chicken prepared and your steamer set up, it’s time to start the steaming process. Begin by bringing the water in the pot to a simmer. You don’t need a rolling boil—just a steady stream of steam. Place your chicken in the steamer basket, ensuring it’s not overcrowded, so the steam can circulate around each piece of meat.
Once the water is simmering, cover the steamer with a lid. The amount of time needed to steam the chicken depends on the size and type of cut you’re using. For bone-in chicken thighs, steam them for about 30-35 minutes. If you’re using boneless chicken breasts, they will only need about 15-20 minutes. Whole chickens can take up to 1 hour, depending on their size. You’ll know the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), or when the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
5. Enhancing the Flavor with Aromatics
To elevate the flavor of your steamed chicken, Chinese restaurants often use aromatic herbs and spices. Adding a few sprigs of cilantro, a couple of slices of ginger, or even some spring onions in the steaming process can infuse the chicken with additional flavors. I like to place a few slices of ginger and garlic underneath the chicken in the steamer. The steam passes through these aromatics and imparts a delicate fragrance to the meat.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can also drizzle a little more sesame oil over the chicken just before serving. This adds a rich, nutty aroma that complements the tenderness of the steamed chicken perfectly.
6. Serving the Steamed Chicken
Once your chicken is perfectly steamed, it’s time to serve it! Steamed chicken is often paired with a light dipping sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. This sauce complements the tender chicken without overpowering its delicate flavor. To finish the dish, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or spring onions for a burst of freshness.
You can also serve your steamed chicken with a side of steamed rice, vegetables, or even stir-fried noodles. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. The simplicity of steamed chicken allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a favorite in many Chinese restaurants.
Conclusion: Steaming Chicken Like a Pro
Steaming chicken like a Chinese restaurant is not as complicated as it might seem. With the right techniques and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant’s version. By selecting the right chicken, using an effective steamer setup, marinating the meat, and enhancing the flavor with aromatic spices, you’ll be able to enjoy perfectly steamed chicken at home. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, steamed chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!
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