Embrace the Flavour: Your Guide to Chinese Rice Wine Chicken Recipe

If you're looking to add a new twist to your chicken recipe, then you've come to the right place. Chinese rice wine chicken, also known as "Hong Zao Ji," is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is both delicious and easy to make. This dish is often served as a confinement dish for new mothers, but it's also a great option for any occasion.

The main ingredient in this recipe is Chinese rice wine, which gives the dish a unique flavour and aroma. The wine is made from glutinous rice, yeast, and water, and is a staple in many Chinese households. Combined with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, the Chinese rice wine creates a savoury sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese rice wine chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is easy to make and delicious.
• The dish is often served as a confinement dish for new mothers.
• Chinese rice wine, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce are the main ingredients that give the dish its unique flavour.

Ingredients Breakdown

When it comes to making Chinese rice wine chicken, there are a few key ingredients that you'll need to have on hand. In this section, we'll break down each of these ingredients and explain their role in the recipe.

Choosing the Right Chicken

First and foremost, you'll need to choose the right type of chicken for your recipe. Free-range chicken, also known as ayam kampung, is a popular choice for Chinese rice wine chicken. This type of chicken has a firmer texture and a more intense flavour compared to regular chicken.

Rice Wine Varieties

Rice wine is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, and there are several varieties to choose from. Shaoxing rice wine is the most commonly used type of rice wine in Chinese cooking, and it has a rich, nutty flavour. Another popular option is red glutinous rice wine, which is made with red yeast rice and has a sweet, sticky flavour.

Essential Spices and Condiments

In addition to chicken and rice wine, there are several other essential spices and condiments that you'll need to include in your recipe. Sesame oil is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking and adds a nutty flavour to the dish. Ginger is another important spice that adds a spicy, pungent flavour to the chicken. Soy sauce is also a key ingredient, and there are two types to choose from: light soy sauce and dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce is saltier and thinner, while dark soy sauce is thicker and has a more intense flavour. Finally, salt and sugar are used to balance out the flavours of the dish.

The key to making a delicious Chinese rice wine chicken is to use high-quality ingredients and to balance the flavours of the dish. With the right combination of chicken, rice wine, and spices, you can create a dish that is both flavourful and satisfying.

Preparation Techniques

Preparing a Chinese Rice Wine Chicken dish requires a few techniques to ensure that the food is cooked perfectly. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Marinating the Chicken

To marinate the chicken, you will need to mix the chicken pieces with Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, and other seasonings. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. It is important to use a clean bowl and cover it with a lid or cling film to prevent contamination.

Handling Wine Lees

Wine lees are a by-product of the fermentation process used to make Chinese rice wine. They can be used to marinate the chicken or added to the cooking liquid to enhance the flavour of the dish. To handle wine lees, you should use a clean spoon to scoop them out of the container. You can also strain the wine lees through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities.

Cooking with a Wok

Chinese Rice Wine Chicken is traditionally cooked in a wok, which is a round-bottomed pan used for stir-frying. To cook with a wok, you should heat it over high heat until it is smoking hot. Add vegetable oil and swirl it around the wok to coat the sides. Then, add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it until it is cooked through. You can also add other ingredients such as old ginger and garlic to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Preparing Chinese Rice Wine Chicken requires a few techniques to ensure that the dish is cooked perfectly. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese dish that your family and friends will love.

Cooking Steps

Braising the Chicken

To make Chinese rice wine chicken, you'll need to start by braising the chicken. First, cut the chicken into small pieces and marinate it with salt and pepper for about 10 minutes. Then, heat up some oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry it until it turns golden brown. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the wok and set it aside.

Simmering with Rice Wine

Next, it's time to add the rice wine. In the same wok, add some hot water and bring it to a boil. Then, add the chicken back into the wok and pour in the rice wine. Let the chicken simmer in the rice wine for about 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also add some ginger, garlic and other spices to enhance the flavour of the dish.

Final Touches

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the wok and set it aside. In a separate pan, heat up some oil and fry some chopped garlic until it turns golden brown. Then, add the chicken back into the pan and stir-fry it with the garlic for a few minutes. Finally, add some soy sauce and sugar to taste, and stir-fry for another minute or two.

And there you have it, a delicious Chinese rice wine chicken recipe that's perfect for any occasion! This recipe should take you around 1 hour to prepare and cook. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese rice wine chicken is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. One popular choice is mee sua, a type of thin Chinese wheat noodle. The soft texture of the mee sua complements the tender chicken and absorbs the fragrant broth. Another great option is a boiled egg, which adds a creamy texture to the dish.

To add a pop of freshness and colour, garnish your rice wine chicken with chopped coriander. The herb's citrusy notes cut through the richness of the chicken and add a burst of flavour. You can also serve the dish with a side of fragrant steamed rice to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation Tips

When serving Chinese rice wine chicken, presentation is key. A simple and elegant way to present the dish is to arrange the chicken pieces in a shallow bowl and pour the broth over them. This showcases the beautiful colour of the dish and allows your guests to see the tender chicken pieces.

Another way to present the dish is to serve it in individual bowls. Place a few pieces of chicken in each bowl and ladle the broth over them. Garnish with chopped coriander and a sprinkle of white pepper for a touch of elegance.

For a more rustic presentation, serve the dish family-style in a large bowl or casserole dish. Make sure to include plenty of broth and garnish with coriander and white pepper. Your guests can help themselves to the chicken and broth, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

Chinese rice wine chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments and presented in different ways. Whether you opt for a simple bowl or a family-style casserole, your guests are sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish.

Nutritional Information

If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to know the nutritional information of Chinese rice wine chicken. A serving of Chinese rice wine chicken made with chicken thigh, white rice, and eggs contains approximately 600 calories. This dish is also high in protein, with each serving providing around 40 grams.

In addition to protein, Chinese rice wine chicken is also a good source of other important nutrients. Chicken thigh is rich in vitamin B6, which is important for healthy brain function and helps to regulate your mood. It also contains iron, which is essential for healthy red blood cells.

Eggs are another important ingredient in this dish. They are a great source of high-quality protein and contain a range of important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline. Choline is important for healthy brain function and helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

While Chinese rice wine chicken is a nutritious dish, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes. This dish is high in calories, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation. If you're looking to reduce your calorie intake, you could try swapping the white rice for brown rice or quinoa, which are both lower in calories and higher in fibre.

Overall, Chinese rice wine chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to a flavourful Chinese rice wine chicken?

The secret to a flavourful Chinese rice wine chicken is the marinade. Marinating the chicken in rice wine, ginger, and scallions for at least 30 minutes is the key to infusing the chicken with a delicious taste. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavourful it will be.

Can I substitute Shaoxing wine in a rice wine chicken recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Shaoxing wine for rice wine in a rice wine chicken recipe. Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine that has a stronger and more complex flavour than regular rice wine. It can be used in the same proportions as rice wine.

What are some tips for making a simple rice wine chicken dish?

To make a simple rice wine chicken dish, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Marinate the chicken in rice wine, ginger, and scallions for at least 30 minutes. Then, stir-fry the chicken in a wok with some oil until it is cooked through. Finally, add some soy sauce and sugar to taste, and serve hot.

How long should I marinate chicken in rice wine for the best taste?

For the best taste, marinate chicken in rice wine for at least 30 minutes. However, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for a more intense flavour. Keep the marinated chicken in the fridge until you're ready to cook it.

Is it possible to make a slow cooker version of rice wine chicken?

Yes, it is possible to make a slow cooker version of rice wine chicken. Place the marinated chicken in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Add some soy sauce and sugar to taste before serving.

What are the benefits of using rice wine in chicken recipes during confinement?

Rice wine is a traditional ingredient used in Chinese confinement dishes. It is believed to have warming properties and can help to improve blood circulation and boost energy levels. Using rice wine in chicken recipes during confinement can help to nourish the body and promote postpartum recovery.