Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce

Chinese Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce Recipe

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the aromatic flavors of green onion and ginger. The dipping sauce adds an extra layer of umami and spice to the dish, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Chinese cooking techniques that use a combination of soy sauce, green onions, and ginger to create a savory and aromatic flavor profile. Fried chicken is a popular dish in many cultures, and this Chinese-inspired version adds a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce

0.5 cup of soy sauce
0.5 cup of thinly sliced green onions
2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh cilantro
1.5 tsp of finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1.5 tsp of hot chili sesame oil

Chicken

3 large eggs
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tsp of Oriental sesame oil
1 whole chicken (4 to 4.5 lb or 2.04 kg), cut into 12 pieces
1 qt (946 ml) of vegetable oil
1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
3 tbsp of ground ginger
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of ground pepper
2 pieces of fresh ginger (1 inch each), halved lengthwise

How to prepare

Dipping sauce

Whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl to blend.
The sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

Chicken

Whisk eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a large bowl to blend.
Add the chicken to the egg mixture, turning to coat.
Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy large pot over medium-high heat to 375°F (191°C).
In another bowl, mix flour, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken thighs and drumsticks to the flour mixture, turning to coat.
Add fresh ginger to the hot oil.
Fry the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the hot oil until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
Using tongs, transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain.
Coat chicken breasts and wings with the flour mixture.
Fry until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
Transfer to paper towels.
The chicken can be made 2 hours ahead. Let it stand at room temperature.
Serve with the dipping sauce.

Variations

Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
Add chili flakes to the dipping sauce for a spicy kick.
Use different herbs and spices in the flour mixture for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken in the egg mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Use a heavy pot with high sides to fry the chicken to prevent splattering.

- Be careful when adding the chicken to the hot oil to avoid burns.

- Serve the chicken with the dipping sauce on the side for a delicious flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken in the egg mixture for at least 2 hours.

- Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.

- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute tamari for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.

- Prepare the dipping sauce in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried chicken on a platter with the dipping sauce in a small bowl on the side. - Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 23g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 4%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains soy and wheat

Summary

This Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in iron and provides a moderate amount of calories per serving.

Summary

This Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the crispy texture of fried chicken with the aromatic flavors of green onion and ginger. Serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was during a trip to Chinatown in San Francisco with my dear friend Mei Ling. She had taken me under her wing when I was just a young girl, teaching me the ways of Chinese cooking and sharing her family recipes with me. As we wandered through the bustling streets, the scent of spices and exotic ingredients filled the air, igniting my curiosity and passion for the culinary arts.

We stumbled upon a small, unassuming restaurant tucked away in a narrow alley. The sign outside simply read "Ling's Kitchen." Intrigued, we decided to step inside and sample the offerings. The moment we walked in, I knew we had stumbled upon a hidden gem. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, with red lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the sound of sizzling woks coming from the open kitchen.

We were seated at a small table by the window, and Mei Ling ordered us a feast of traditional Chinese dishes. One dish in particular caught my eye - the Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After the meal, I approached the chef and asked if he would be willing to share his recipe with me. To my surprise, he agreed, and invited me back to the kitchen to watch him prepare the dish. As I watched him expertly coat the chicken in a fragrant blend of spices and fry it to golden perfection, I knew I had found a recipe that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I have tweaked and perfected it to my own tastes, adding my own twist with the addition of extra garlic and a touch of honey to the dipping sauce.

The key to the success of this dish lies in the marinade. A blend of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and Chinese five-spice powder infuses the chicken with layers of flavor that meld together beautifully when fried. The green onion ginger dipping sauce adds a refreshing and tangy contrast to the rich and savory chicken, making it a truly unforgettable dish.

I have shared this recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing down not only the ingredients and techniques, but also the memories and stories that are intertwined with it. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, but about creating something that nourishes the body and soul, and brings people together around the table.

As I sit here, surrounded by the laughter and chatter of my loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has led me to this moment. The recipe for Chinese Flavored Fried Chicken with Green Onion Ginger Dipping Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds that food can create and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with those we hold dear.