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 households and is also a popular comfort food in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
It's a simple yet delicious dish that's quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights.
To make chicken in oyster sauce, you'll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cornstarch, and vegetable oil.
You'll also need some vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions to add some colour and nutrition to the dish.
The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with the vegetables.
The result is a savoury, umami-packed dish that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken in oyster sauce is a popular Chinese comfort food that's quick and easy to prepare.
- The dish is made by stir-frying marinated chicken with vegetables and a savoury sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic.
- Chicken in oyster sauce is a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and spices to suit your tastes.
Preparing the Chicken
When you're making an oyster sauce chicken recipe, preparing the chicken is a crucial step that can make or break the dish.
Here are some tips to ensure that your chicken comes out tender, juicy, and flavourful.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When selecting chicken for your oyster sauce chicken recipe, boneless and skinless chicken thighs are the best option. They are more flavourful than chicken breasts, and the meat stays moist and tender during the cooking process.
However, if you prefer white meat, you can use boneless and skinless chicken breasts or wings.
Marination Techniques
Marinating the chicken is an essential step to infuse the meat with flavour and tenderize it.
The most common marinade for oyster sauce chicken includes soy sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, sugar, and rice wine.
You can also add other ingredients such as Chinese five-spice powder, sesame oil, or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
To marinate the chicken, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and add the chicken pieces.
Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Methods
There are different ways to cook oyster sauce chicken, including stir-frying, braising, or roasting.
Stir-frying is the most common method, and it involves cooking the chicken in a wok or a frying pan over medium heat.
To stir-fry the chicken, heat the wok or pan until it's hot, add some oil, and then add the chicken pieces.
Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it's golden brown and cooked through.
Braising is another method that involves cooking the chicken in a sauce over low heat until it's tender. This method is ideal for bone-in chicken pieces such as drumsticks or wings.
Savouring the Flavours
When you think of Chinese cuisine, one of the first dishes that comes to mind is chicken in oyster sauce. This delicious stir-fry is a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavours, with a rich umami taste that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Sauce and Seasonings
The key to this dish is the oyster sauce, which is used to thicken the sauce and give it a deep, savoury flavour.
To make the sauce, you'll also need soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, green onions, and white pepper.
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. For the best results, use a premium oyster sauce like Megachef oyster sauce.
Vegetable and Side Pairings
Chicken in oyster sauce is typically served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the strong flavours of the sauce.
You can also pair it with a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, bok choy, snow peas, and green onions.
Serving and Presentation
To serve, garnish the dish with some chopped spring onions and serve with steamed rice. This dish is perfect for a cosy night in, as it is a comforting and filling meal.
When it comes to leftovers, chicken in oyster sauce is a great option.
Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
In terms of nutritional facts, chicken in oyster sauce is a good source of protein and is relatively low in fat. However, the sauce does contain a fair amount of sodium, so it's important to keep an eye on your salt intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a classic chicken stir fry with oyster sauce?
To make a classic chicken stir fry with oyster sauce, you will need to stir fry sliced chicken in a wok with garlic, ginger, and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add oyster sauce and a splash of soy sauce to the wok, and stir everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed. Serve the stir fry hot with steamed rice.
Can you share a simple recipe for chicken in oyster sauce as found in Chinese takeaways?
Sure, here's a simple recipe for chicken in oyster sauce that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir fry for 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced chicken and stir fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
What are the key ingredients for a traditional Chinese-style chicken and oyster sauce dish?
The key ingredients for a traditional Chinese-style chicken and oyster sauce dish are chicken, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers.
How does one create a marinade for chicken using oyster sauce?
To create a marinade for chicken using oyster sauce, simply mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
What are some tips for cooking chicken in oyster sauce to get that authentic restaurant flavour?
To get that authentic restaurant flavour when cooking chicken in oyster sauce, make sure to use a wok or large frying pan and cook the chicken over high heat to get a nice sear.
Also, don't overcook the chicken as it can become tough and dry. Finally, add a splash of Chinese rice wine or sherry to the dish for added flavour.
How is oyster sauce used in Chinese cooking, particularly with chicken dishes?
Oyster sauce is a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking.
It is often used to add depth of flavour to stir fries and other dishes.
When used with chicken dishes, oyster sauce helps to infuse the meat with rich umami flavour.
It also gives the dish a glossy, caramelised finish.