Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken

Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken Recipe - A Delicious Southeast Asian Dish

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with crispy onions and garlic, all cooked in fragrant spices and chili. It is a popular dish in Myanmar and is often served as a main course with rice or noodles.

History

The origins of Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken can be traced back to traditional Burmese cuisine. This dish is a perfect example of the unique flavors and cooking techniques that are found in Myanmar. The combination of tender chicken, crispy onions, and aromatic spices creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
3 large yellow onions
1.5 cups vegetable oil
0.75 tsp turmeric
12 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
4.5 tsp dried red chili, crushed

How to prepare

Place the chicken in a large saucepan.
Cover the chicken with water and bring it to a boil.
Cover the saucepan and cook the chicken over low heat for 30 minutes or until it becomes tender.
Remove the chicken from the saucepan and allow it to cool before removing the skin and bones.
Shred the chicken meat into string-like pieces.
Cut the onion in half and thinly slice it.
Heat oil in a wok and add the onions and turmeric. Stir until the onion turns dark.
Add the garlic and cook for 5 minutes or until it becomes brown.
Remove the onions and garlic from the wok and set them aside.
Leave the oil in the wok.
Put the shredded chicken in the wok.
Cook the chicken over medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until it becomes brown.
Drain off the excess oil before adding the onions, garlic, salt, and chile.
Continue cooking over moderately low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken until it is tender before shredding it. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful.

- Cooking the onions and garlic until they are dark brown will add a rich and deep flavor to the dish.

- Stir the chicken often while cooking to ensure that it browns evenly and does not stick to the pan.

- Adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili used.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the chicken before shredding it ensures that the meat is tender and juicy.

- Frying the onions and garlic until they are dark brown adds a rich and deep flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast instead of a whole chicken.

- Substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil or sesame oil for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shredded chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and onions, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With tender shredded chicken, crispy onions, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the unique flavors of Myanmar with this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in Burma, and she was preparing a special dinner for our family. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the delicious aroma of spices and herbs that filled the air.

My aunt noticed my curiosity and beckoned me over to watch as she prepared the dish. She explained that it was called Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken and that it was a traditional recipe that had been passed down through generations in our family.

I watched in awe as my aunt expertly shredded the chicken into thin strips and marinated it in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a blend of secret spices that she refused to reveal to me. She then coated the chicken in a light batter made from rice flour and deep-fried it until it was crispy and golden brown.

As the chicken cooked, the tantalizing scent continued to fill the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the dish was finally ready, my aunt plated it up with a side of steamed rice and a tangy dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes.

I took my first bite of the Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken and was instantly transported to a culinary paradise. The chicken was tender and juicy on the inside, with a crispy, flavorful coating that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The combination of spices and herbs created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself. I begged my aunt to teach me her secret recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that I would have to earn it by cooking with her and paying close attention to her techniques.

For the next several weeks, I spent every spare moment in the kitchen with my aunt, watching and learning as she cooked up a storm. I helped her chop vegetables, mix spices, and fry up batches of the delicious Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken.

As I worked alongside my aunt, I began to understand the subtle art of Burmese cooking. I learned how to balance flavors, adjust seasonings, and most importantly, how to cook with love and passion. My aunt taught me that the key to creating a truly exceptional dish was to put my heart and soul into every step of the cooking process.

Finally, after weeks of hard work and dedication, my aunt deemed me ready to make the Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken on my own. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following her instructions to the letter and infusing the dish with all the love and care that I had learned from her.

When the chicken was finally cooked and plated, I presented it to my family with a sense of pride and accomplishment. They took their first bites and their eyes lit up with delight as they savored the flavors of the dish.

From that day on, the Burmese Shredded Crispy Chicken became a staple in our family's meals. I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. And every time I cook this dish, I am transported back to that magical moment in my aunt's kitchen, where my love for cooking was born.

Now, as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they too will find joy and fulfillment in the art of cooking, just as I have. And I know that as long as we continue to cook with love and passion, the flavors of this dish will always bring us together as a family, no matter where life may take us.