November 12, 2020
If you can't think of anything to write, go to your kitchen and cook 🤣, but if you have nothing to cook, then just watch me do it 😉
If you have read my previous recipe blogs here, you will know how much I like steaming foods, either it's a viand or snacks, I have already adopted this Chinese style of cooking foods.
Another opportunity for me to cook an Authentic Chinese recipe. In more than 3 years of living in Hong Kong, this dish is the best steam recipe for me so far. And this became one of my favorite Chinese recipes. It is not only yummy but also nutritious because of its ingredients.
I called this Nutritious-Packed Chinese Steamed Chicken, but the real name of this is "Steam Chicken with Shiitake Mushrooms and Red Dates." I don't want to call it that way because the ingredients are not only shiitake and red dates. There are a lot more. Check it here!
Cooking Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
Ginger
Green spring onions
Red dates
Goji berries
Dried black fungus/wood ear mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms (you can use the fresh shiitake if you want)
Dried Lily buds
For the marinade:
Ginger juice
Rice wine
Mirin
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
Sesame
White/Black Pepper
Some salt, sugar, and flour
Cooking Procedures:
Wash and cut the whole chicken into small pieces.
Soak shiitake mushrooms, black fungus, and lily buds into the water until they become soft. Once they are completely soft, remove the stems and set aside.
Boil the black fungus for 5 minutes. Rinse well and cut the hard parts.
Cut ginger and green spring onions into strips (separate the green and white stalks of the spring onions, you will use the green parts for toppings later). Cut the red dates and soft shiitake mushrooms into halves.
Prepare for the marinade:
Grate a small size of ginger and extract its juice. Mix it with the rice wine.
In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Marinate the chicken with the sauces for 30 minutes or more. (The longer you marinate the chicken, the better its taste) Put it inside the fridge and take it out 30 minutes before cooking.
Put 2 tablespoons of flour to make the sauce slurry. Add some sesame oil at last.
Mix all ingredients with the chicken. (It is tasty if the ingredients are coated with the sauce as well).
Transfer the chicken to a big steaming plate. (Enough for the amount of chicken you have).
Bring a wok of water to boil. Steam in a big wok for 20 minutes. (2 minutes before taking out the dish, take off the lid and garnish some green spring onions on top).
And the final result. Taddaa!! Looks so yummy 🤤🤤
Shiitake mushrooms, red dates, lily buds, and black fungus, with ginger and spring onions, are really a great combo. The mixed ingredients bring additional aroma and springiness to the chicken.
In fact, Chinese people like using shiitake mushrooms to garnish in pork, dumplings, Chinese soup, and other Chinese steam and stir-fry recipes. It gives earthly flavor and distinctive taste. Moreover, the red dates and goji berries will add sweetness to any dishes. Chinese people treat red dates and goji berries as health tonic, food, and a traditional herb. While the black fungus will add texture due to its jelly-like consistency and distinct chewiness.
The combination of all ingredients creates a classic combo with the chicken.
Health Facts:
Shiitake Mushrooms - contains eritadenine, which is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Beta-glucans are also found in shiitake that aids to reduce inflammation and prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol. Shiitake mushrooms are polysaccharides and also have one of the highest amounts of natural copper that support healthy bones, blood vessels, and immune system.
Red Dates - Chinese herbal textbooks claim that red dates can help strengthen the spleen and stomach Qi (energy) which aids to digest food, tonify blood, and calm the mind. Red dates also help people who have insomnia. And its high level of Vitamin C helps protect the liver, reduce cholesterol, increase the immune system, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Black Fungus - are low in fat and cholesterol but high in fiber. It is loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals for the brain, heart, and bone health. It also noted for its high antioxidants that helps fight oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, the black fungus also shows off prebiotics that is vital for digestive health and helps maintain bowel regularity.
Goji Berries - often regarded as "superfood." They claim to prevent premature aging due to its high level of antioxidants, boost the immune system, improve blood sugar control that is beneficial for diabetes, enhances energy level, and protect against heart disease and cancer.
Lily Buds - are well-known edible flowers in Chinese cuisine, and symbolizes wealth during the Lunar New Year. Dried lily buds help with insomnia and treat anxiety. It helps promote healthy brain function and assist in blood. And are also riched in vitamin C and potassium, as well as iron, phosphorus, and folate.
Of course, who doesn't know ginger's health benefits?
Ginger - it is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps ward off diseases and prevent cell damage. It is also good in treating nausea, relieving menstrual cramps, relieving indigestion, and regulating blood sugar levels.
If you have all these ingredients, why don't you try this recipe? So easy, yummy, and nutritious!
Written by: @Jane
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Best article dear