Chinese Steamed Chicken Wings Recipe: Easy and Delicious
If you're looking for a dish that's easy to make, delicious, and healthy, Chinese steamed chicken wings are a perfect choice. This recipe is a classic Cantonese dish that's popular all over the world. The chicken wings are marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and other spices, then steamed until they're tender and juicy.
To make Chinese steamed chicken wings, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including chicken wings, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. You'll also need a steamer basket, which you can find at most Asian grocery stores. Once you have all your ingredients, you'll marinate the chicken wings for at least an hour, then steam them for about 20 minutes.
If you want to add some variety to your recipe, you can also try adding some seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to the marinade, adding some extra flavor and texture to the chicken wings.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese steamed chicken wings are an easy, delicious, and healthy dish that's popular all over the world.
- To make the dish, you'll need essential ingredients like chicken wings, soy sauce, and ginger, and a steamer basket.
- You can add some variety to the recipe by including seafood like shrimp or scallops.
Essentials of Chinese Steamed Chicken Wings
When it comes to preparing Chinese steamed chicken wings, there are a few essentials that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. In this section, we will discuss the two most important aspects of preparing Chinese steamed chicken wings: choosing the right chicken and preparation basics.
Choosing the Right Chicken
The most important aspect of preparing Chinese steamed chicken wings is choosing the right chicken. When selecting chicken, it is essential to choose fresh, clean, and lean meat. You can use chicken wings or chicken thighs for this recipe. Chicken wings are a popular choice as they are tender and easy to cook. However, chicken thighs can be used as well, and they are more flavourful than chicken wings.
It is also important to choose chicken that has a good balance of meat, fat, and bone. Too much fat can make the chicken greasy, and too much bone can make it tough. Therefore, it is essential to choose chicken that has a good balance of meat, fat, and bone.
If you want to add seafood to your Chinese steamed chicken wings recipe, you can use shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat. These seafood options will add a unique flavour to your dish, and they are easy to prepare.
Preparation Basics
Once you have chosen the right chicken, you need to prepare it correctly. The first step is to clean the chicken thoroughly. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. You can also soak the chicken in cold water for an hour to soak out the blood.
After cleaning the chicken, you can marinate it with Chinese cooking wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add ginger, scallions, goji berries, and shiitake mushrooms to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Before steaming the chicken, you need to prepare your steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer or a metal steamer. Make sure to line the steamer with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent the chicken from sticking.
In conclusion, when preparing Chinese steamed chicken wings, it is essential to choose fresh, clean, and lean chicken. You can use chicken wings or chicken thighs, and it is important to choose chicken that has a good balance of meat, fat, and bone. Additionally, you need to prepare the chicken correctly by cleaning it thoroughly, marinating it, and steaming it in a lined steamer. By following these steps, you can create a delicious and healthy Chinese steamed chicken wings dish that is sure to impress.
Marinating the Chicken
When it comes to steaming chicken wings, marinating the chicken is an essential step to ensure that the wings are flavourful and tender. In this section, we will discuss the marinade ingredients and marinating process to help you achieve the perfect steamed chicken wings.
Marinade Ingredients
To marinate the chicken wings, you will need the following ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Salt
- Sugar
- Pepper
- White pepper
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallion
- Sherry or Chinese cooking wine
These ingredients are commonly used in Chinese cuisine, and they work together to create a savoury and aromatic marinade. If you are a seafood lover, you can also add some chopped seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the marinade to enhance the flavour.
Marinating Process
To marinate the chicken wings, follow these simple steps:
- Separate the chicken wings into drumettes and wingettes. You can save the tips to make chicken broth or phở gà (chicken pho).
- Use a knife or fork to prick the chicken wings, which helps the marinade penetrate better.
- Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Add the chicken wings to the marinade and stir to coat evenly. You can marinate the chicken wings for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, you can marinate them for up to 24 hours in the fridge for better results.
Once the chicken wings are marinated, you can proceed to steam them. The marinade will infuse the wings with flavour and make them tender and juicy.
Setting Up the Steaming Process
When it comes to steaming chicken wings, it is important to have the right equipment and set up the steaming process correctly. Here are the steps to follow:
Steaming Equipment
You will need a steamer, a heatproof dish or plate, and boiling water. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a lid and a heatproof dish or plate that fits inside the pot. Make sure the dish or plate is elevated above the water level so that the chicken wings do not get submerged in water.
Preparing the Steamer
Fill the steamer or pot with enough water so that it does not boil dry during the steaming process. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. While waiting for the water to boil, lightly oil the heatproof dish or plate with vegetable oil. This will prevent the chicken wings from sticking to the plate.
Once the water has come to a boil, place the heatproof dish or plate with the chicken wings inside the steamer or pot. Cover the steamer or pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Steam the chicken wings for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through. Make sure to check the water level periodically and add more boiling water if necessary.
If you want to add some seafood to your steamed chicken wings, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply place them on top of the chicken wings in the heatproof dish or plate and steam them together. This will give your dish a delicious seafood flavour.
Cooking Instructions
Steaming the Chicken Wings
To begin with, prepare the chicken wings by cleaning and trimming them. You can use a mixture of cornstarch and tapioca starch to coat the wings, which will help to keep them moist and tender during steaming. Once the wings are coated, arrange them in a single layer on a heatproof plate, making sure to leave enough space between each wing to allow steam to circulate.
Next, prepare the steaming setup by filling a wok or large pot with water and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, place the plate of chicken wings on a steaming rack and carefully lower it into the wok or pot. Cover the wok or pot with a lid and steam the chicken wings for about 20 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
Final Touches and Serving
While the chicken wings are steaming, prepare the seasoning by mixing together some cooking wine, ginger slices, and green onion. Once the chicken wings are fully cooked, remove them from the steaming rack and discard any excess liquid. Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken wings and let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add some seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to the chicken wings, and you can steam them along with the wings for a delicious seafood and chicken combo. Serve the steamed chicken wings hot and enjoy the tender, juicy meat with the flavorful seasoning.
Accompaniments and Variations
Sauces and Dips
No steamed chicken wings recipe is complete without a delicious dipping sauce. A simple soy sauce and rice wine vinegar dipping sauce is a classic choice that pairs well with the dish. You can also try a spicy garlic sauce or a sweet and sour sauce to add some variety.
For those who love seafood, a fish sauce-based dipping sauce can be a great option. You can use fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and minced chili to create a tangy and spicy dipping sauce.
Side Dishes
Steamed chicken wings can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. Hainanese chicken rice is a popular side dish that pairs well with steamed chicken wings. The fragrant rice is cooked with chicken broth and served with sliced cucumbers and a chili sauce.
You can also serve the chicken wings with some stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve the chicken wings with some fried rice or noodles.
If you want to add some extra flavour to your chicken wings, you can try adding some shiitake mushrooms or ham to the steaming basket. The mushrooms will add a rich umami flavour to the dish, while the ham will add a salty and smoky flavour.
For seafood lovers, you can also try adding some prawns or scallops to the steaming basket. The seafood will cook quickly and absorb the flavours of the chicken wings, creating a delicious and unique flavour combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to prepare Chinese steamed chicken wings?
The simplest way to prepare Chinese steamed chicken wings is to marinate them for at least 20 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. You can also add ginger and scallions to enhance the flavour. Then, place the chicken wings in a steamer basket and steam them for about 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked.
Can I steam chicken wings in the oven, and if so, how?
Yes, you can steam chicken wings in the oven. To do so, preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the chicken wings on a baking tray and cover them with foil. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken wings are fully cooked.
What are the secrets to making the best Chinese steamed chicken wings?
The secrets to making the best Chinese steamed chicken wings are to marinate them for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavour and to ensure that they are fully cooked. You can also add some seafood, such as shiitake mushrooms or goji berries, to enhance the umami flavours.
How can I steam chicken wings if I don't have a steamer?
If you don't have a steamer, you can use a wok or a deep frying pan. Fill the wok or pan with water and bring it to a boil. Place a heatproof plate on top of the water and place the chicken wings on the plate. Cover the wok or pan with a lid and steam for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken wings are fully cooked.
Do steamed chicken wings turn out more tender than other cooking methods?
Yes, steamed chicken wings turn out more tender than other cooking methods because they are cooked in a moist environment, which helps to keep the meat juicy and tender.
What's the recommended steaming time for chicken wings to ensure they're fully cooked?
The recommended steaming time for chicken wings is about 20-25 minutes to ensure that they are fully cooked. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken wings. Always check that the chicken wings are fully cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should be at least 75°C.