Hua Diao Ji Pian

Hua Diao Ji Pian Recipe - Authentic Hong Kong Chicken Stir Fry

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hua Diao Ji Pian is a traditional Chinese dish that features tender slices of chicken marinated in a flavorful sauce made with Shaoxing wine. This dish is popular for its rich and savory taste, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

History

Hua Diao Ji Pian has a long history in Chinese cuisine and is believed to have originated in the Zhejiang province of China. The dish is named after the famous Hua Diao wine, which is a type of Chinese rice wine known for its fragrant aroma and rich flavor. The use of Shaoxing wine in the sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

250 g chicken meat
1 stalk of spring onion (chopped)
2 slices of ginger

Seasoning

0.5 tbsp salt
1 tbsp light soy sauce
some sesame oil
some corn flour

Sauce

0.33 tbsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
6 – 10 tbsp shaoxing wine
10 tbsp chicken stock
0.5 tbsp corn flour

How to prepare

Wash and dry the chicken meat, then slice it and marinate it with the seasoning.
Heat a wok with 4 tbsp of oil and parboil the chicken slices over high heat for 1 minute.
Heat the wok again with 1 tbsp of oil and add ginger and spring onion.
Add the sauce and cook until it boils, then add the chicken slices.
Stir and cook until the sauce boils again, then remove from heat and serve.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to the dish for added flavor and texture.
For a spicier version, add some chili peppers or chili sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken slices for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Parboiling the chicken slices before cooking helps to seal in the juices and keep the meat tender.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and dry.

- Adjust the amount of Shaoxing wine in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hua Diao Ji Pian with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Parboiling the chicken slices before cooking helps to seal in the juices and keep the meat tender.

- Stir-frying the chicken slices over high heat helps to lock in the flavors and create a delicious caramelized crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast instead of chicken meat for this recipe.

- If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken slices in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. - Serve the Hua Diao Ji Pian in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hua Diao Ji Pian with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in a wok or skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to prevent the meat from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and corn products.

Summary

Hua Diao Ji Pian is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Hua Diao Ji Pian is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. With its tender chicken slices and rich sauce made with Shaoxing wine, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional recipe with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, known for her exceptional cooking skills, passed down this recipe to me with great pride.

I remember the day vividly. It was a hot summer afternoon, and the air was filled with the fragrant smell of fresh herbs and spices. My grandmother had been busy in the kitchen all day, preparing a feast for our family and friends. As I watched her work her magic, I couldn't help but be in awe of her culinary skills.

I had always been eager to learn from my grandmother, and on that particular day, she took me under her wing and taught me how to make Hua Diao Ji Pian. This dish, a traditional Chinese recipe, consists of tender slices of chicken marinated in a mixture of Hua Diao wine, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then stir-fried with vegetables and herbs.

As my grandmother showed me how to prepare the ingredients, she shared the story of how she had learned this recipe from her own grandmother many years ago. She explained that Hua Diao Ji Pian was a dish that had been passed down through generations in our family, and that it held a special place in our culinary heritage.

I listened intently as my grandmother shared the secrets of the recipe with me, taking notes and asking questions along the way. She taught me how to marinate the chicken in the Hua Diao wine and soy sauce, and how to stir-fry it to perfection with the vegetables and herbs. She showed me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and emphasized the need to cook with love and care.

As I followed my grandmother's instructions, I could feel a sense of pride and accomplishment building within me. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and learning this traditional recipe from my grandmother felt like a rite of passage.

After hours of hard work and dedication, the Hua Diao Ji Pian was finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor.

As my family gathered around the table to enjoy the meal, I watched with bated breath as they took their first bites. The looks of satisfaction and delight on their faces filled me with joy, knowing that I had successfully recreated my grandmother's beloved recipe.

From that day on, Hua Diao Ji Pian became a staple in our family gatherings, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of our shared heritage. I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe and adding my own personal touch to it.

Years passed, and I eventually moved away from my village, but the memory of that day with my grandmother and the taste of her Hua Diao Ji Pian remained etched in my heart. Whenever I cook this dish now, I am transported back to that kitchen filled with love and laughter, where I first learned the art of cooking from the best teacher I could have ever asked for.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day so many years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the gift that my grandmother gave me – the gift of her knowledge, her passion, and her love for cooking. And as I prepare to pass this recipe down to future generations, I do so with the hope that it will continue to bring joy and connection to my family for years to come.