A Tasty Take on Traditional Fried Chicken: Chinese Salted Egg Chicken Recipe

If you enjoy Chinese food, you may be familiar with the delicious dish known as salted egg chicken. This popular recipe has become increasingly popular in recent times for its rich and savoury flavour, created by combining salted egg yolks with crispy fried chicken.

Salted egg chicken is a dish that has been enjoyed in China for many years. It is believed to have originated in the southern part of the country, where salted eggs are a common ingredient in many dishes. The dish has since become popular all over the world, with many restaurants and home cooks putting their own spin on the recipe.

To make salted egg chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include chicken, salted eggs, flour, and various spices and seasonings. The dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, but it typically involves marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices and flour, then frying it until crispy. The salted egg yolks are then mashed and cooked into a sauce, which is then poured over the chicken to create a delicious and flavourful dish.

Key Takeaways

• Salted egg chicken is a popular Chinese recipe that combines crispy fried chicken with a savoury salted egg yolk sauce.
• The dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, flour, and various spices and seasonings.
• To make the dish, you'll need to marinate the chicken, fry it until crispy, and then prepare the salted egg yolk sauce.

What is Salted Egg Chicken?

Salted Egg Chicken is a popular Chinese dish that is made by coating chicken with a mixture of salted egg yolk and other ingredients before frying it. The dish is known for its unique flavour and texture, making it a favourite among many people.

Cultural Significance

Salted Egg Chicken has a long history in Chinese cuisine and is often served during special occasions such as weddings, full moon celebrations, and other important events. The dish is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it.

Salted Egg Yolk vs Salted Duck Egg

Salted Egg Chicken can be made using either salted egg yolk or salted duck egg. Both ingredients are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and have distinct flavours. Salted duck egg has a stronger taste and aroma compared to salted egg yolk, which is milder and creamier.

When making Salted Egg Chicken, it is important to use quality salted egg yolk or salted duck egg to ensure the best flavour. Some recipes also call for the use of other Chinese ingredients such as oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and Shaoxing Huatiao cooking wine to enhance the taste of the dish.

If you want to try something different, you can also use seafood such as squid or prawns instead of chicken. The seafood will absorb the flavour of the salted egg yolk or salted duck egg and create a delicious and unique dish.

Key Ingredients for the Dish

Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to making salted egg chicken, it's essential to choose the right type of chicken. You want to use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the best results. These cuts of chicken are tender and juicy, making them perfect for this dish. You can also use chicken wings or drumsticks if you prefer.

Salted Egg Essentials

The star ingredient of this dish is, of course, the salted egg yolks. You can use either salted duck eggs or chicken eggs for this recipe. The salted egg yolks are steamed and mashed to create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the crispy fried chicken. Make sure to use high-quality salted eggs for the best flavour.

Additional Flavour Enhancers

To enhance the flavour of the dish, you can add a few more ingredients to the salted egg yolk sauce. Aromatics like garlic, ginger and curry leaves add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the saltiness of the eggs. Soy sauce and chilies are also great additions if you want to add a bit of heat.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try using seafood instead of chicken. Prawns and squid work well with the salted egg yolk sauce, adding a unique twist to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks much faster than chicken.

Overall, the key to making a delicious salted egg chicken recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours of the dish. With the right ingredients and a bit of experimentation, you can create a mouth-watering dish that's sure to impress.

Preparing the Chicken

Marinating Techniques

Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making salted egg chicken. You can use chicken thigh or chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs are preferred because they are more tender and have more fat, which makes them more flavourful.

To marinate the chicken, you can use a combination of cornstarch, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The cornstarch will help to create a crispy texture when the chicken is deep-fried.

You can also marinate the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt for a few hours. This will help to tenderize the chicken and add more flavour to it. You can also add some hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Achieving the Perfect Crispiness

To achieve the perfect crispiness, you need to deep-fry the chicken. You can use any cooking oil that has a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot.

Before you deep-fry the chicken, make sure to shake off any excess marinade. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. You can also coat the chicken in cornstarch or flour before deep-frying it. This will help to create a crispy coating.

When deep-frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches until it is golden brown and crispy.

If you want to add some seafood to this recipe, you can use shrimp or prawns. Marinate the seafood in the same way as the chicken and deep-fry it until it is crispy. Serve the seafood alongside the salted egg chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Cooking the Salted Egg Sauce

If you're looking to create a rich and creamy salted egg yolk sauce for your chicken, you'll want to follow these simple steps. This sauce is perfect for adding a unique umami flavour to your dish, and will make your chicken stand out from the rest.

Creating a Rich and Creamy Texture

To create a rich and creamy texture for your salted egg yolk sauce, you'll want to start with a base of unsalted butter. Melt the butter in a wok over medium heat, and then add in your mashed salted egg yolks. Stir the mixture until it is well combined, and then add in your evaporated milk. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken and become creamy.

If you want to add an extra level of richness to your sauce, you can also add in some white pepper. This will give your sauce a slightly spicy kick, and will help to balance out the creaminess of the sauce.

Balancing Heat and Flavour

When it comes to balancing the heat and flavour of your salted egg yolk sauce, it's important to pay close attention to the temperature of your wok. If the heat is too high, your sauce may become too thick and sticky. On the other hand, if the heat is too low, your sauce may not thicken properly.

To get the perfect balance of heat and flavour, you'll want to keep your wok at a medium heat. This will allow the sauce to thicken slowly and evenly, without becoming too thick or too thin.

If you're looking to add some seafood to your salted egg yolk chicken recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops. These seafood options will pair well with the rich and creamy flavour of the sauce, and will add an extra level of umami to your dish.

Overall, creating a delicious salted egg yolk sauce for your chicken is all about finding the right balance of richness, heat, and flavour. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a sauce that is sure to impress your guests.

Serving and Presentation

Plating Suggestions

When it comes to plating your salted egg yolk chicken dish, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the plate you're using. A smaller plate can make the dish look more visually appealing and can also help to control portion sizes. Next, think about the colours and textures of the dish. Salted egg yolk chicken is already quite colourful, so consider adding some greenery to the plate to balance it out. You could also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped spring onions on top for added texture.

Another plating suggestion is to serve the salted egg yolk chicken on a bed of congee or rice. This not only adds some bulk to the dish, but also makes it more filling and satisfying. You could also serve it with some mooncakes or pastries on the side for a complete meal.

Accompaniments and Pairings

When it comes to accompaniments and pairings for your salted egg yolk chicken dish, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you're serving it as a main dish, consider pairing it with some steamed vegetables, such as bok choy or broccoli. You could also serve it with some bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

For a more casual meal, try serving the salted egg yolk chicken with some fries or potato wedges. This is a great option if you're serving the dish as a snack or appetizer. Another option is to serve it with some ice cream for a sweet and savoury dessert.

If you want to add some seafood to the dish, consider using prawns or squid. These seafood options pair well with the salted egg yolk sauce and can add some extra flavour and texture to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to create a creamy texture for salted egg chicken?

To create a creamy texture for salted egg chicken, you can add some evaporated milk to the mashed salted egg yolks. This will give it a rich and creamy taste. You can also use heavy cream or coconut cream as a substitute for evaporated milk.

How can I make a simple and authentic Chinese-style salted egg chicken at home?

To make an authentic Chinese-style salted egg chicken at home, you can marinate the chicken with salt, pepper, and Shaoxing wine. Then, coat the chicken with cornstarch and deep-fry until crispy. Mash salted egg yolks and mix with butter, curry leaves, and chillies. Toss the chicken in the salted egg yolk mixture and serve hot.

Can you suggest an easy method to prepare salted egg chicken using Panlasang Pinoy's style?

Panlasang Pinoy's style of salted egg chicken involves marinating the chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Then, coat the chicken with cornstarch and deep-fry until crispy. Mash salted egg yolks and mix with butter, curry leaves, and chillies. Toss the chicken in the salted egg yolk mixture and serve hot.

What are some tips for using Knorr products when making salted egg chicken?

One tip for using Knorr products when making salted egg chicken is to use Knorr Chicken Powder to enhance the chicken's flavour. You can also use Knorr Liquid Seasoning to add depth to the dish. However, be careful not to add too much seasoning as it can overpower the salted egg flavour.

What's the secret to making the most flavourful salted egg chicken?

The secret to making the most flavourful salted egg chicken is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Use fresh chicken and duck eggs for the salted egg yolks. Also, use good quality salt and Shaoxing wine for the marinade. Additionally, be sure to fry the chicken until crispy to get the best texture.

How do I make a healthier version of salted egg chicken without compromising on taste?

To make a healthier version of salted egg chicken, you can use skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of the whole chicken. You can also bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it to reduce the oil content. For the salted egg yolk mixture, use low-fat butter or margarine instead of regular butter. Additionally, you can add some seafood like prawns or squid to the dish to make it healthier and more flavourful.