Cantonese rose soy sauce chicken, known for its tender meat and rich flavors, is a beloved dish that beautifully showcases the essence of Cantonese cuisine. This dish balances savory, sweet, and aromatic elements, making it a staple in many kitchens. Here’s how to prepare it in your own home.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 34 lbs)
1/2 cup rose wine or Shaoxing wine
1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably light and dark mixed)
1/4 cup sugar (rock sugar for more authenticity)
34 slices of ginger
34 cloves of garlic, smashed
3 tablespoons of sesame oil
23 green onions, cut into segments
Water (enough to submerge the chicken)
Optional: Star anise and dried chilies for extra flavor
Preparation Steps
1. Clean the Chicken:
Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water. Remove any remaining feathers and innards. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate:
In a large bowl, combine rose wine, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix until the sugar dissolves.
Add ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
Place the chicken in the marinade and massage it to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor.
3. Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add enough water to cover the chicken completely. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Incorporate green onions, star anise, and dried chilies if using.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully lower the marinated chicken into the simmering pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
Allow the chicken to simmer gently for about 3040 minutes, depending on the size. Do not boil, which could make the meat tough.
5. Baste and Color:
Occasionally, ladle the simmering liquid over the chicken to ensure even cooking and enhanced flavor.
For added color, you can increase the heat at the end of the cooking time for a few minutes, but do not let the chicken boil.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot. Allow it to rest for 1015 minutes before carving.
Slice the chicken and serve with a drizzle of the rich cooking sauce.
7. Garnish:
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve alongside steamed rice and blanched greens for a complete meal.
Enjoy the tender, deliciously flavored Cantonese rose soy sauce chicken as part of a traditional feast or a comforting family dinner!