Steaming Chicken: Is It Really Cooked?

Steamed chicken is a popular dish in Southeast Asian countries, where it is often served with chicken rice. It is also a common cooking method in Chinese cuisine. Steaming chicken is a healthy cooking method that retains flavour, tenderness and moisture without the use of additional fat. This technique is versatile, and the chicken can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or served as is.

Steaming chicken is a popular cooking method in Chinese cuisine

Steaming is a popular method of cooking chicken in Chinese cuisine. It is considered a healthy cooking technique that is simple, quick, and easy. The process involves boiling water to create steam, which then cooks the food without the food coming into direct contact with the water. This results in a moist texture to the food.

In Chinese cooking, steaming is often used for seafood and meat dishes, such as chicken, crab, and pork. It is a particularly good method for cooking chicken as it helps to retain moisture and preserve the natural flavour of the meat.

There are several steps involved in preparing Chinese steamed chicken. First, the chicken is cleaned and marinated, often with salt, ginger, garlic, and green onions. The chicken is then placed in a steamer basket or wok and cooked over medium heat for around 20 minutes. After steaming, the chicken is left to rest for a further 15-25 minutes before being served.

Chinese steamed chicken is often served with a dipping sauce, such as an oyster-based sauce or a ginger and green onion sauce. The dish is popular in several regions of China, including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hong Kong. It is also commonly made during the Chinese New Year to worship ancestors.

It's a healthy cooking technique as no additional fat is used

Steaming is a healthy cooking technique as no additional fat is used. This makes it a great option for those on a keto diet, or those who are health-conscious and looking for a simple way to cook chicken. The process is straightforward: fill a steamer pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil, add the chicken, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavourful chicken that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Steaming is a versatile cooking method that can be used for boneless chicken breasts, as well as small whole birds such as Cornish hens. It is a popular technique in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines, where it is often used to prepare chicken that is served with rice. The simplicity of steaming also makes it an attractive option for home cooks.

One of the benefits of steaming chicken is that it retains the natural flavour, tenderness, and moisture of the meat. The steam cooks the chicken evenly, ensuring that it is thoroughly cooked without drying it out. This can be further enhanced by marinating the chicken beforehand or adding ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, or gingerroot to the steaming water.

The equipment needed for steaming chicken is minimal. A traditional steamer that fits on top of a saucepan can be used, or a rack that sits in the bottom of a tightly covered pan, suspending the chicken above the water. An electric steamer is another option, and a rice cooker with a steamer function can also be used to steam chicken.

Overall, steaming is a healthy and convenient way to cook chicken that preserves the flavour and moisture of the meat without adding any additional fat. It is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of dishes and is simple enough for anyone to try at home.

Marinating the chicken before steaming infuses it with flavour

Steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own with a dip. Marinating the chicken before steaming is a great way to infuse it with flavour and enhance its taste. Here are some tips and techniques to achieve delicious steamed chicken through marination:

Wet Marinade

Wet marinades are typically made with cooking oil, an acidic liquid, and various seasonings. The oil moistens the chicken and adds flavour, while the acidic liquid, such as vinegar, wine, tomato, yogurt, or citrus juice, breaks down the protein and tenderises the meat. The seasonings, including garlic, herbs, and spices, further amplify the flavour. To effectively use a wet marinade, place the chicken in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Add the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate. Remember to turn the bag or flip the chicken occasionally to ensure even distribution of the marinade.

Dry Rub

A dry rub is similar to a wet marinade but without the liquid. It creates a flavourful crust on the chicken, sealing in moisture. Common ingredients include cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. To apply a dry rub, combine the ingredients in a bowl, dry the chicken surface, and then coat it with the rub, massaging it into the meat.

Marinating Time

The optimal marinating time depends on the type of marinade and the chicken. For wet marinades, 5-6 hours is ideal for the best flavour and texture. Even a short marinating time of 10 minutes can add flavour to the chicken's surface. Avoid marinating for longer than overnight, as it can negatively affect the texture. For dry rubs, 30 minutes to 2 hours is sufficient. For boneless chicken, 30 minutes to 2 hours of marinating is recommended, while for bone-in chicken, aim for 1 to 12 hours.

Enhancing the Marinade's Effectiveness

To enhance the effectiveness of the marinade, consider poking holes or making shallow slices in the chicken before marinating. This technique helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively, especially if you're short on time. Additionally, slashing the chicken joints with a sharp knife increases the surface area for the marinade to work on, resulting in more flavourful chicken.

By following these tips and techniques, you can infuse your steamed chicken with flavour and create a delicious and flavourful dish.

Steaming is ideal for boneless chicken breasts and small whole birds

Steaming is a great way to cook chicken, and it is particularly well-suited for boneless chicken breasts and small whole birds. This cooking method is ideal for retaining flavour, tenderness, and moisture without the need for additional fats, making it a healthy option.

For boneless chicken breasts, the steaming process is relatively straightforward. You can use a traditional steamer, a rack in a covered pan, or an electric steamer. If using a traditional steamer, fill the steamer pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add herbs or other flavourings to the water if desired. Place the chicken in a single layer, leaving a little space around each piece to allow for even cooking. Cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes. If using a rack in a pan, add at least one inch of water, bring it to a boil, and place the chicken in a heatproof dish on the rack. Again, ensure the water is not boiling up over the dish, cover, and steam for 8 to 10 minutes.

Small whole birds, such as Cornish hens, can also be steamed effectively. The process is similar to steaming boneless chicken breasts. You can use a traditional steamer or a rack in a covered pan. If using a traditional steamer, follow the same steps as for boneless breasts. For a rack in a pan, place the bird in a heatproof dish, ensuring it is not too big for the pot. Add water to the pot, bring it to a boil, cover, and steam for 15-20 minutes.

To enhance the flavour of the chicken, you can marinate it before steaming or add ingredients to the steaming water, such as onions, carrots, celery, or ginger. Making a few cuts on the surface of the chicken will also help the heat penetrate more evenly. Remember not to overcrowd the steamer or pot, as this can impact cooking times.

It's a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or served with rice

Steamed chicken is a versatile dish that can be used in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or served with rice. Here are some ideas for each:

Salads

Steamed chicken is a great addition to a salad as it is light and healthy. You could make an Asian-inspired salad with shredded steamed chicken, red cabbage, carrot, spring onion, cucumber, coriander, and a rice wine vinegar dressing. Alternatively, go for a classic chicken salad with a creamy dressing, or a chicken Waldorf salad with apple, celery, and walnuts.

Wraps

Chicken wraps are a quick and easy meal that can be made on a grill or a grill pan. Simply fill a flour tortilla with steamed chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cheese, and add your choice of sauce. Chick-fil-A sauce or BBQ sauce work well.

Sandwiches

There are endless possibilities for chicken sandwiches. Some ideas include a chicken Waldorf salad sandwich, a chicken Caprese sandwich, a classic chicken salad sandwich, or a chicken Banh Mi. For a spicy option, try a buffalo chicken panini or a grilled chicken sandwich with cilantro lime mayo.

Rice

Chicken and rice is a comforting and flavorful dish. One idea is to make Hainanese chicken rice, a simple one-pot dish where the chicken is poached in a broth with ginger, garlic, and scallions, and the rice is fried in chicken fat and cooked in chicken broth. This dish is often served with chili sauce, scallion-ginger sauce, and dark soy sauce.

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