Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms

Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms Recipe from Taiwan

Region / culture: Taiwan | Servings: 3-4

Introduction

Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms is a classic Chinese dish that is not only delicious but also healthy. The combination of tender chicken and earthy black mushrooms creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Chinese households as a traditional dish that is often served during special occasions and family gatherings. The steaming method of cooking ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, while the black mushrooms add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

3 chicken legs
6 dried black mushrooms
2 tsp of soy sauce
0.5 tsp of rice wine
1 tsp of cornstarch
1 tsp of water
2 tsp of minced green onions (scallions)

How to prepare

Remove the skin from the chicken legs and cut them in half.
Soak the mushrooms in water until they become soft, then discard the stems and cut the tops in half.
In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, mushrooms, cornstarch, and seasonings.
Allow the mixture to marinate for 0.5 hour.
Steam the ingredients over high heat for 20 minutes.
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle with green onions.
This recipe serves three to four people.

Variations

Substitute the chicken legs with chicken breast or thighs for a different texture.
Add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for added color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken and mushrooms for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer to steam the ingredients evenly.

- Garnish with fresh scallions for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have black mushrooms, you can use shiitake mushrooms or any other variety of mushrooms available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to steam.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh scallions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy for a well-balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a steamer or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the soy sauce. It may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms is a nutritious dish that is low in carbohydrates and calories, but high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. With its tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Lily was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out new dishes whenever I visited her.

On that particular day, as we sat in her sunny kitchen sipping tea and chatting, she suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. A few moments later, she emerged with an old, weathered cookbook in her hands. She flipped through the pages with a look of excitement on her face, and finally landed on a recipe for Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms.

"This is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations," Lily explained as she showed me the page. "It's a simple yet delicious dish that I think you'll love."

I watched intently as she gathered the ingredients and started preparing the dish. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the chicken steamed with the earthy black mushrooms was absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to taste it.

When the dish was finally ready, we sat down at the table and took our first bites. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew instantly that this was a recipe that I had to learn how to make.

Over the next few days, I begged Lily to teach me how to make the dish. She agreed, and we spent hours in her kitchen as she patiently guided me through each step. From marinating the chicken in soy sauce and rice wine to steaming it to perfection with the black mushrooms, she taught me all the secrets to making this delectable dish.

As I watched and learned, I couldn't help but marvel at how cooking could bring people together and create memories that would last a lifetime. The simple act of sharing a meal with loved ones could spark conversations, laughter, and joy that filled the heart and soul.

Armed with the knowledge and skills that Lily had imparted to me, I returned home eager to recreate the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms for my own family. I carefully followed the recipe, adding my own flair and touches along the way.

The first time I made the dish for my family, they were blown away by the flavors and textures. They couldn't believe that I had learned how to make such a delicious and intricate dish. From that day on, it became a staple in our household, a go-to recipe for special occasions and family gatherings.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms, each time adding a little something extra or tweaking the recipe to suit my family's tastes. It became a dish that was synonymous with love, comfort, and tradition in our home.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who were equally impressed by its simplicity and depth of flavor. They, too, began to make the dish for their own families, passing it on to future generations just as Lily had done for me.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen preparing the Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms for another family dinner, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and experiences that this recipe has brought into my life. It has connected me to my past, to my friends and loved ones, and to the joy of cooking and sharing a meal with others.

As I take the dish out of the steamer and set it on the table, the aroma wafting through the air brings a smile to my face. I know that this simple yet delicious recipe will continue to be a part of my family's story for years to come, creating new memories and traditions that will be cherished and passed down through the generations.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy the meal with my family, I am reminded once again of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but also our hearts and souls. The Steamed Chicken with Black Mushrooms is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of love, connection, and the beauty of sharing a meal with those we hold dear.