Huaiyang Plum Chicken
Introduction to Huaiyang Cuisine
Huaiyang cuisine is one of the four great traditions of Chinese cooking, alongside Cantonese, Sichuan, and Shandong. It originates from the regions around the Huai and Yangtze rivers. Known for its intricacy and meticulous preparation, Huaiyang cuisine focuses on ingredients' freshness and cutting techniques, delivering a refined taste and presentation. Plum Chicken is a classic dish celebrated for its harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors, drawing inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the Huaiyang tradition.
Ingredients
To make Huaiyang Plum Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 1 whole, approximately 3-4 lbs
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Rice wine: 2 tablespoons
- Plum sauce: 1/2 cup
- Scallions: 3, chopped
- Ginger: 5 slices
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
- Five-spice powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly and patting it dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat and giblets from the cavity. Then, rub the chicken's skin and cavity with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Making the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and five-spice powder. Add the sugar, and whisk until it dissolves. Add the chopped scallions, ginger slices, and garlic into the mixture and stir well.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors permeate the meat.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
Step 2: Roasting the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken on a roasting rack in a baking dish, breast side up. Reserve the marinade for basting. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours. Baste the chicken every 20 minutes with the reserved marinade and some water to keep it moist.
Step 3: Caramelizing with Plum Sauce
After an hour of roasting, start applying the plum sauce to the skin of the chicken. Continue to roast, and brush the plum sauce over the chicken every 10 minutes until the skin is golden and caramelized, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly with an internal temperature above 165°F (74°C).
Serving the Huaiyang Plum Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. Slice the chicken and serve it with a drizzle of the pan juices.
Enjoying the Meal
Pairing Suggestions
Huaiyang Plum Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables, which complement the rich and tangy flavors. For a full Huaiyang dining experience, consider adding dishes like Lion's Head Meatballs or Yangzhou Fried Rice.
Dining Etiquette
In traditional Chinese meals, dishes are typically served family-style in the center of the table. Each person has their bowl of rice and can serve themselves from the communal plates. Enjoy your Huaiyang Plum Chicken by sharing with family and friends, celebrating the harmonious flavors and the cultural history embedded within this delightful dish.