Chicken in Oyster Sauce: A Quick and Easy Recipe

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of chicken in oyster sauce. This dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and is also a popular homemade meal.

The dish is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

To make chicken in oyster sauce, you'll need a few recipe essentials, including chicken, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.

The chicken is stir-fried with garlic and ginger, and then the sauce is added to give the dish its signature flavor.

The dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.

Recipe Essentials

 

To make a delicious chicken in oyster sauce dish, you will need a few key ingredients.

The star of the dish is, of course, chicken. You can use chicken thighs or breasts, whichever you prefer.

Other essential ingredients include oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, spring onions, salt, pepper, sugar, and cornstarch.

You can also add vegetables such as onion, green onions, and white pepper to enhance the flavour.

Preparation Techniques

 

Before cooking, it's essential to marinate the chicken in a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.

This will help the chicken absorb all the flavours and become tender.

You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.

Cooking Instructions

 

To cook chicken in oyster sauce, you can either stir-fry or braise the chicken.

For stir-frying, heat up a wok on high heat and add some oil. Once the wok is hot, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked.

For braising, add the chicken and sauce to a pot and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender. You can also bake the chicken in the oven for a crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

 

Once the chicken is cooked, you can garnish it with some chopped spring onions and serve it with rice or noodles.

You can also add some vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms to the dish to make it more nutritious and colourful.

Storage Tips

 

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating, make sure to heat the chicken thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Alternative Ingredients

 

If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute chicken with pork, tofu, beef, or shrimp.

You can also make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Nutritional Information

 

Chicken in oyster sauce is a great source of protein. It also contains fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

The exact nutritional information will depend on the specific ingredients and cooking method used.

Flavour Enhancers

 

To enhance the flavour of chicken in oyster sauce, you can add other sauces such as dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, or hoisin sauce.

These sauces will add more depth and complexity to the dish.

Cookware and Utensils

 

To cook chicken in oyster sauce, you will need a wok or a pot, a spatula or a ladle, and a cutting board and knife to prepare the ingredients.

Cultural Context

Origin and History

Oyster sauce chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries.

The dish is believed to have originated in southern China, where oyster farming is prevalent.

The sauce is made from oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, and is commonly used in stir-fry dishes.

Regional Variations

 

There are many regional variations of oyster sauce chicken, with different ingredients and cooking methods used in different parts of China.

Some variations include the addition of Chinese mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or red bell pepper to the dish.

Some recipes also call for premium oyster sauce, such as Megachef oyster sauce, which is known for its rich and savory flavor.

Pairing with Other Dishes

 

Oyster sauce chicken is often served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

The dish can also be paired with other Chinese takeout favorites, such as egg rolls or spring rolls.

When dining in a Chinese restaurant, oyster sauce chicken is often served family-style, with chopsticks and shared among the table.

Dining Etiquette

 

When dining on oyster sauce chicken, it is important to use chopsticks and to avoid using your hands.

The dish can be quite sticky, so it is best to have a napkin or wet towel on hand to clean your fingers.

It is also important to share the dish among the table and not to take more than your fair share.

Related Dishes

 

Oyster sauce chicken is a popular comfort food and is often served at Chinese restaurants and takeout establishments.

Other related dishes include sticky oyster sauce chicken, chicken wings, chicken thighs, and drumsticks.

User Reviews and Ratings

 

Oyster sauce chicken is a beloved dish among many Chinese food enthusiasts.

It has received high ratings and positive reviews from many users, who praise its rich and savory flavor, as well as its tender and juicy texture.

Many users also appreciate the dish's versatility and its ability to pair well with a variety of sides and sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a simple chicken in oyster sauce?

 

Making chicken in oyster sauce is simple. Start by marinating chicken in a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

Then, stir-fry the chicken in a hot wok or pan until it is cooked through.

Finally, add the oyster sauce mixture to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. For a detailed recipe, check out this recipe.

What's the best way to stir fry chicken with oyster sauce?

 

The best way to stir fry chicken with oyster sauce is to cook the chicken first until it is almost done.

Then, add the oyster sauce mixture and any other vegetables or ingredients you want to include.

Cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is coated in the sauce. For a delicious one-pan roasted chicken in oyster sauce recipe, check out this recipe.

Can you describe the flavour profile of chicken cooked in oyster sauce?

 

Chicken cooked in oyster sauce has a rich, savoury umami flavour. The oyster sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the soy sauce and sugar balance out the saltiness. The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavour that complements the chicken well.

What are some good sides to serve with chicken in oyster sauce?

 

Chicken in oyster sauce goes well with a variety of side dishes.

Some popular options include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and egg fried rice. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with soup or a salad.

Why is oyster sauce a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking?

 

Oyster sauce is a popular ingredient in Chinese cooking because it adds a rich, savoury flavour to dishes.

It is made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients, and is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Its versatility and umami flavour make it a staple in many Chinese kitchens.

How does one create a marinade for chicken using oyster sauce?

To create a marinade for chicken using oyster sauce, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl.

Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavourful it will be. For a delicious oyster sauce chicken recipe that uses a marinade, check out this recipe.