Introducing the Deliciously Tangy Beijing Chicken
Beijing chicken is an iconic Chinese dish, full of bold flavors and an unbeatable level of deliciousness. A mixture of sweet, savory, and spicy, it’s the perfect dish to introduce your palate to the unique flavors of Chinese cuisine!
As a Chinese-American, I grew up eating Beijing chicken regularly. I remember my mom preparing the dish, sweet pungent aromas filling our home and my mouth watering in anticipation. The unique blend of ginger and garlic, the juicy chicken thighs, and the signature Beijing sauce – it’s a flavor combination that still takes me right back to my childhood.
What is Beijing Chicken?
Beijing chicken is a dish of braised chicken legs or thighs, simmered in a light and flavorful sauce. Ginger, garlic, and Shaoxing wine are the base, then an array of colorful vegetables like bell peppers or green beans add vivid color to the dish. The star of the show, though, is the homemade Beijing sauce, dark and tangy, with just the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
Authentic Ingredients for a Truly Delicious Dish
The key to authentic Beijing chicken is the homemade sauce. Refined sugar, light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, and dark soy sauce all go in to give the dish its signature color and taste. A bit of spicy chili oils finishes it off, adding a bit of fire and smokiness to the mix.
A Recipe for One of China’s Most Famous Dishes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
-4 whole chicken thighs
-1 tablespoon ginger, grated
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
-1 tablespoon oil
-1 teaspoon salt
For the Beijing Sauce:
-1/4 cup Refined sugar
-1/4 cup light soy sauce
-2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
-2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
-1 teaspoon chili oil
-1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
For the Veggies:
-1 bell pepper
-1 cup green beans
Cooking Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and season with salt, ginger, and garlic.
3. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Add the Shaoxing wine and cook for an additional minute.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the vegetables.
6. In a bowl, mix the Refined sugar, light soy sauce, black vinegar, dark soy sauce, chili oil, and vegetable broth.
7. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
8. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve and enjoy!
Conclusion
This recipe for Beijing chicken is vibrant and flavorful, and the perfect way to experience the unique flavor profiles of Chinese cuisine. The contrast between the sweet and the savory, the tender chicken and the crisp vegetables, and that special Beijing sauce – all of these flavors come together to create an unforgettable dish. Once you give this recipe a try, you’ll see why Beijing chicken is one of the most beloved dishes in China!
