If you’re looking to elevate your home cooking with a dish that’s both flavorful and visually stunning, look no further than Cantonese Rose Soy Sauce Chicken. This traditional dish marries the savory notes of soy sauce with the aromatic sweetness of rose, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Here’s a neat and concise tutorial to help you recreate this classic at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 whole chicken (34 lbs)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon rock sugar
68 tablespoons light soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon rose water
3 slices ginger
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 stalks green onions, cut into pieces
1 star anise
1 teaspoon fivespice powder
1 cup water
For Garnish:
Fresh cilantro leaves
Sliced cucumbers (optional)
StepbyStep Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Clean and Dry: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the skin crisp up beautifully.
2. Chop: If preferred, chop the chicken into serving pieces for easier handling and quicker cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
1. Combine Marinade: In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rose water, and fivespice powder.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken in a large bowl or dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight in the fridge).
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
1. Heat Oil: In a large, deep pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add Sugar: Once the oil is hot, add rock sugar and let it melt, stirring until it turns into a light caramel color.
3. Sauté: Add ginger, garlic, and green onions to the pan. Sauté for 12 minutes until aromatic.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
1. Add Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken into the pan, skin side down.
2. Brown: Sear the chicken for about 57 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the marinade and 1 cup of water, then add star anise.
4. Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 3040 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
1. Thicken Sauce: After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it and let it rest for a few minutes. Increase the heat to reduce the sauce until it thickens slightly.
2. Glaze Chicken: Brush the reduced sauce over the chicken for a shiny finish.
3. Garnish: Slice the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast.
Tips for Perfect Rose Soy Sauce Chicken
Quality Soy Sauce: Using goodquality soy sauce significantly enhances the flavor.
Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of rock sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Customize: Feel free to add other spices and herbs like dried chili or more fresh herbs to enhance the aromatics.
Conclusion
Cantonese Rose Soy Sauce Chicken not only boasts an impressive flavor profile but also an attractive presentation for any dining occasion. With this stepbystep guide, you can easily bring this delightful dish to your table. Enjoy your culinary journey!