Zhi Ma Ji

Zhi Ma Ji Recipe from Hong Kong: Delicious Chicken Dish

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Zhi Ma Ji, also known as Sesame Chicken, is a popular Chinese dish that features tender pieces of chicken coated in a crispy sesame crust. This dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

History

Zhi Ma Ji has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for many years. The combination of tender chicken and crunchy sesame seeds creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

250 g of fresh chicken meat
4 slices of white bread
4 tbsp of mashed onion
some fried sesame

Sauce

4 to 5 tbsp of salad dressing
2 tbsp of minced celery
1 tbsp of minced onion

Seasoning

1 egg
0.5 tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp of salt
1 tbsp of cornflour
some pepper
some sesame oil

How to prepare

Mix the salad dressing with minced celery and onion.
Serve it in a saucer.
Cut the bread into circle shapes with a 30 mm diameter cutter.
Mince the chicken meat and marinate it with seasoning.
Stir fry the onion until fragrant, then dish it up and add it to the chicken.
Mix well and spread the chicken on the bread, then coat it with sesame.
Heat plenty of oil and deep fry the chicken over medium heat until golden.
Dish it up and serve it with salad sauce.

Variations

For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. You can also add some honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Use a high-quality salad dressing for the sauce to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- Be sure to fry the chicken in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Zhi Ma Ji pairs well with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Zhi Ma Ji is to fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown. Be sure to use a high heat and cook the chicken in batches for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salad dressing, you can use mayonnaise mixed with a bit of vinegar as a substitute. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier result.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zhi Ma Ji on a bed of lettuce with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation. You can also garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Zhi Ma Ji pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed broccoli. A glass of chilled white wine or green tea is the perfect beverage to accompany this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 20g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Zhi Ma Ji is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, and niacin.

Alergens

Contains wheat and sesame seeds.

Summary

Zhi Ma Ji is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a meal.

Summary

Zhi Ma Ji is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that is sure to impress. With its crispy sesame crust and tender chicken, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Zhi Ma Ji. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always creating delicious dishes that made everyone in our family come back for seconds.

One day, while rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I came across a faded index card with the words "Zhi Ma Ji" written in beautiful calligraphy. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe and she smiled, a twinkle in her eye.

"Oh, Zhi Ma Ji," she began, "it's a traditional Chinese sesame chicken dish that I learned how to make from a dear friend many years ago. It's a family favorite and I'm happy to pass the recipe down to you."

Excited to learn something new, I eagerly followed my grandmother's instructions as she guided me through the process of making Zhi Ma Ji. The ingredients were simple - chicken thighs, sesame seeds, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. The key, my grandmother stressed, was in the preparation and cooking technique.

I marinated the chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a few hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat. Then, I coated the chicken in sesame seeds before pan-frying them until they were golden brown and crispy.

As the chicken sizzled in the pan, the aroma of sesame seeds and savory soy sauce filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish and see if I had successfully recreated my grandmother's recipe.

When the Zhi Ma Ji was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a crunchy sesame seed coating that added a delicious nutty flavor. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger created a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making each bite a true delight.

My grandmother beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy the Zhi Ma Ji. She told me stories of how she first learned to make the dish from her friend, who had passed it down to her with love and care. It was a recipe that had been cherished in our family for generations, and now it was my turn to carry on the tradition.

From that day on, Zhi Ma Ji became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, special occasions, and whenever I wanted to pay homage to my grandmother and the culinary heritage she had passed down to me.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my Zhi Ma Ji recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it my own. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought back memories of that day when I first learned how to make it from my grandmother.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing a batch of Zhi Ma Ji for my own grandchildren, I am reminded of the joy and excitement I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe. It is a reminder of the bond between generations, the love and care that goes into preparing a meal, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious dish with those we hold dear.

I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me, and I know that the tradition of Zhi Ma Ji will continue to live on in our family for years to come. And as I watch my grandchildren enjoy the dish that I have made with love and care, I can only hope that one day they will feel the same thrill of stumbling upon a recipe that will become a cherished part of their own culinary journey.