Zhi Bao Ji

Zhi Bao Ji Recipe - Hong Kong Chicken and Black Mushroom Dish

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zhi Bao Ji is a traditional Chinese dish that features tender chicken meat wrapped in parchment paper with flavorful seasonings and vegetables. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, as it is served in the paper in which it was cooked.

History

Zhi Bao Ji has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for many years. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of China, where it was traditionally cooked in a clay pot. The dish was later adapted to be cooked in parchment paper, which helps to seal in the flavors and juices of the chicken.

Ingredients

450 g of fresh chicken meat
4 dry black mushrooms
1 stalk of spring onion
some Tianjin preserved vegetable
some shredded ginger
2 sheets of parchment paper

Seasoning

1 tbsp of salt
2 tbsp of yellow wine
some pepper and sesame oil
0.5 tbsp of sugar

How to prepare

Wash the chicken meat and cut it into small bite-sized pieces. Marinate the chicken with seasoning.
Soak the Tianjin preserved vegetable for 5 minutes and then squeeze out the water.
Soak the dry black mushrooms until they become fully soft, then shred them into small slices.
Cut the paper into squares, approximately 150 x 150 mm, and coat one side with oil.
Place 2 pieces of chicken and Tianjin preserved vegetable on the oiled side of the paper. Season with additional seasoning.
Add some shredded black mushrooms, spring onion, and ginger on top.
Wrap the paper into a rectangular shape and staple the paper margin to secure it.
Heat plenty of oil in a pan and set it to medium heat.
Deep fry the wrapped chicken for 5 minutes.
Serve the dish with the paper, remove the staples before serving.

Variations

You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
You can also use different meats such as pork or beef instead of chicken for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Be sure to soak the Tianjin preserved vegetable and dry black mushrooms before using them in the dish.

- When wrapping the chicken in parchment paper, be sure to secure the edges with staples to prevent the juices from leaking out during cooking.

- Use plenty of oil when deep frying the wrapped chicken to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Zhi Bao Ji can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Zhi Bao Ji include marinating, wrapping, and deep frying the chicken in parchment paper.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Tianjin preserved vegetable, you can substitute with pickled mustard greens or sauerkraut.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zhi Bao Ji on a platter with the parchment paper still intact for a unique and visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zhi Bao Ji pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Zhi Bao Ji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zhi Bao Ji contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zhi Bao Ji contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zhi Bao Ji contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zhi Bao Ji contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zhi Bao Ji is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Zhi Bao Ji contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Zhi Bao Ji is a nutritious dish that is high in proteins and vitamins. It is a great option for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Summary

Zhi Bao Ji is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its flavorful seasonings and tender chicken, this dish is a must-try for any food lover.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. One day, I was walking through the market with my mother when we came across a stall selling all sorts of exotic spices and ingredients. The aroma was intoxicating, and I found myself drawn to a small jar filled with a mysterious blend of herbs and spices.

I watched as the vendor carefully measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl. The smell was incredible, and I knew I had to find out what he was making. I asked my mother to buy the jar for me, and she did so with a smile.

When we got home, I immediately set to work trying to recreate the dish. I carefully measured out the ingredients and followed the instructions as best as I could remember. The result was a delicious and fragrant chicken dish that I had never tasted before. I was hooked.

Over the years, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe for Zhi Bao Ji. I learned to adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit my taste, and I experimented with different cooking techniques to bring out the flavors of the dish. I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who all loved it and encouraged me to keep cooking.

As I grew older, I traveled to different regions of China and learned new recipes from the locals. I discovered that Zhi Bao Ji was a traditional dish from Sichuan province, known for its bold and spicy flavors. I was thrilled to learn more about the history and culture behind the dish, and I incorporated some of these new techniques into my own recipe.

One day, I met an elderly woman in a small village who had been making Zhi Bao Ji for decades. She invited me into her home and showed me her recipe, which was slightly different from mine. I was amazed at how such a simple dish could have so many variations, each one unique and delicious in its own way.

I spent hours talking to the woman and watching her cook. I learned about her family and her life in the village, and I realized that food has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. I felt a deep connection to this woman and her recipe, and I knew that I had to continue sharing it with others.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, I can't help but smile as I remember all the people and places that have influenced my cooking. I am grateful for the experiences and the memories that I have gathered over the years, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Zhi Bao Ji.

As I take a bite of the spicy, flavorful chicken dish, I am transported back to that small village in China where it all began. I can still hear the laughter of the villagers and the sizzle of the wok as the woman cooked her famous dish. I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, and I will continue to cherish it for years to come.