Jiangsu Soy Glaze Bites

Background and History

Jiangsu Soy Glaze Bites are a delightful Chinese dish originating from the Jiangsu province, known for its subtle and fresh flavors. Jiangsu cuisine, also known as Su cuisine, is one of the eight culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine and is well-regarded for its mastery of balance, presentation, and the fresh taste of ingredients. This dish, featuring tender bites of meat coated in a savory sweet soy glaze, exemplifies the Su emphasis on harmony and aesthetics. The region's abundant waterways provide a plethora of ingredients, but this recipe focuses on creating a harmonious flavor profile using readily available components. Traditionally, the rich history of Su cuisine is infused with the elegance and delicacy emphasizing quality and careful preparation.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 500g, boneless and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Light soy sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Dark soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Brown sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Honey - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1-inch piece, grated
• Scallions - 2, chopped
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch - 2 teaspoons
• Water - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil - For frying
• Sesame seeds - For garnish

Preparation

Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a large bowl, mix together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and garlic, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes but preferably overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients and mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry for thickening the glaze later.

Cooking Process

1. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
2. Once the oil is hot, gently fry the marinated chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 4-6 minutes per batch. Remove the pieces from the pan and set them aside.
3. After the chicken is cooked, discard most of the oil, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Return the fried chicken to the pan.
6. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan, along with the cornstarch slurry, and increase the heat to medium. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken pieces, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Drizzle over the sesame oil, stirring to combine.
8. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
9. Optionally, link to set the cooking time through a cooking timer for an optimal result.

Enjoying Jiangsu Soy Glaze Bites

Serve these delightful Jiangsu Soy Glaze Bites as part of a larger meal or as a tasty standalone dish. Pair them with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful glaze. Complement the dish with a simple green vegetable, such as steamed bok choy, for a complete and balanced meal. For a truly authentic experience, serve with a cup of Jasmine tea to enhance the subtle and fragrant elements of the dish. Enjoy your culinary journey to the Jiangsu province with these delightful bites!