Filipino-Style Steamed Chicken: A Tasty, Healthy Treat

Pinaupong Manok sa Asin is a simple Filipino steamed chicken dish. This recipe uses a bed of coarse sea salt and pepper as seasonings. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper, and is then placed on a bed of salt and steamed to perfection. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to cook, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Characteristics and Values of "How to Cook Steamed Chicken Filipino Style"

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a combination of seasonings and liquids to create a flavourful marinade. The exact ingredients can vary depending on your preference, but some common options include soy sauce, Chinese wine or rum, sesame oil, ground black pepper, ginger, and salt. You can also add a unique twist with ingredients like 7-Up, Sprite, or MSG.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine your chosen liquids and seasonings. For example, you might mix soy sauce, Chinese wine, and sesame oil, and a generous amount of ground black pepper. You can also add grated ginger to the marinade for a zesty kick. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in some rum for a unique flavour profile.

Now it's time to prepare the chicken. Ensure you have a whole chicken that is thoroughly cleaned and dressed. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast fillets and leg quarters instead of a whole chicken. Once your chicken is ready, it's time to toss it in the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well-coated, taking care to cover all surfaces evenly. You can use your hands or a brush to ensure the marinade is properly distributed.

After the chicken is coated, it's essential to let it rest and allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. The ideal marinating time can vary from 30 minutes to overnight, depending on how intense a flavour you want. If you're short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak will help enhance the flavour of your steamed chicken.

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the other components of the dish. Chop your desired vegetables, make any additional sauces, and set up your steamer according to the manufacturer's instructions. If using a traditional clay pot, ensure it's ready to go.

Once the marinating time is complete, your chicken is ready to be steamed! Place the chicken with the marinade in the pan and follow the remaining steps of your chosen steamed chicken recipe. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful, and juicy Filipino-style steamed chicken!

Preparing the steamer

The first step in preparing the steamer is to ensure that you have the right equipment. While a traditional Filipino recipe calls for a large clay pot (palayok), you can also use an ordinary cooking pot or a steamer with a rack. If you are using a steamer, follow the manufacturer's instructions to bring it to a simmer.

For the steaming process itself, there is no water used. Instead, the liquid is derived from the natural juices and oils of the chicken, which will drip during cooking. To collect these juices, you will need to arrange a bed of salt in your cooking pot. Spread 2 to 3 cups of coarse sea salt to cover the base of the pot, creating a layer at least 2 inches thick.

Place a banana leaf on top of the salt bed. This step is important as it ensures the chicken does not come into direct contact with the salt, preventing it from becoming too salty. If you do not have access to a banana leaf, you can use lotus leaves or pandan leaves as alternatives.

Now, you are ready to place the chicken over the banana leaf. You can use a small can of tomato sauce or the chicken's neck/feet as a wedge to help the chicken sit securely and upright.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for Filipino-style steamed chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and method used. Here is a detailed guide on the cooking time and temperature for this delicious dish:

Cooking Time:

The cooking time for Filipino-style steamed chicken can range from 15 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the recipe and the size of the chicken. Here are the recommended cooking times for different recipes:

• For a simple steamed chicken recipe using chicken breast and leg quarters, the cooking time is approximately 15 minutes over high heat.
• For a whole chicken steamed in a bed of salt, the cooking time is recommended to be between 20 to 25 minutes on medium heat. This ensures the chicken remains juicy, and prevents it from drying out.
• For a traditional Pinaupong Manok recipe, the cooking time is around 80 to 90 minutes on medium heat. This longer cooking time is due to the larger size of the whole chicken.

Temperature:

The temperature for steaming Filipino-style chicken is typically not specified in degrees, but rather in terms of heat settings. Here are the recommended temperature settings for different recipes:

• For most recipes, it is recommended to steam the chicken over high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks through evenly and efficiently.
• When using a bed of salt to steam the chicken, it is best to heat the pan to a medium temperature. This prevents the chicken from burning and ensures even cooking.
• For the Pinaupong Manok recipe, a traditional Filipino dish, a medium heat setting is used. This ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly without drying out.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the type of steamer or pot used, as well as the size and thickness of the chicken. It is always recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific steamer and to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked before serving to prevent any food safety issues.

Making the sauce

There are a few different sauce options you can make to accompany your Filipino-style steamed chicken.

One option is to make a sauce using the chicken marinade. To do this, collect the marinade and juices from the chicken and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Simmer this mixture over very low heat until the broth thickens.

Another option is to make a sauce using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. To make this sauce, start by heating a small pot over low heat and adding sesame oil. Next, sauté chopped garlic and green onion until fragrant. Then, add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dissolved cornstarch, and water. Season with salt to taste, mix well, and bring the mixture to a boil. Transfer the sauce to a dipping bowl and let it cool down slightly before serving.

You can also serve your steamed chicken with a simple dip made of patis (fish sauce) and lemon or calamansi. Alternatively, you can enjoy it with a dip made of soy sauce and lime.

Finally, you can make a sauce by heating EVOO and grated ginger for one minute and then setting it aside. Mix in calamansi juice, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce for a dip, or you can use grated ginger with soy sauce or whatever combination of ingredients you prefer.

Serving suggestions

Filipino-style steamed chicken is a delicious and healthy dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this tasty meal:

• Garnishes: Fresh herbs such as parsley, spring onion, and kinchay add a pop of colour and a burst of flavour to your steamed chicken. You can also add sliced carrots or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
• Sauces: A dipping sauce can elevate your steamed chicken and enhance its flavour. Try a simple combination of fish sauce with lemon or calamansi, or get creative with soy sauce, lime, or chilli-garlic sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, make a sauce by sautéing garlic and green onion in sesame oil, then adding oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dissolved cornstarch, and water.
• Sides: Steamed chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with steamed bok choy or rice. If you're looking for something heartier, mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables would also pair nicely.
• Presentation: For a visually appealing presentation, chop the chicken into desired serving sizes and arrange them on a platter. You can also serve the whole chicken, which makes for an impressive centrepiece. Don't forget to serve the broth in a separate bowl—it's full of flavour and adds a homely touch to your meal.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftover steamed chicken, don't let it go to waste! Shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. You can also add it to soups or stir-fries for a protein boost.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your Filipino-style steamed chicken and impress your family and friends with a delicious and versatile meal. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions