Lu Ban Chicken

Introduction

Lu Ban Chicken is a classic Chinese dish named after Lu Ban, a legendary figure revered as the patron of Chinese carpentry. This dish is celebrated for its combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and flavorful sauces blended artfully to create a culinary marvel. The origins of Lu Ban Chicken can be traced back to traditional Chinese banquets where master chefs would craft the dish as an honor to high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

The savory taste and delightful texture make it a beloved feature of contemporary Chinese cuisine. It is not only an epicurean experience but also a tribute to the skillful craftsmanship synonymous with Lu Ban himself. In this recipe, we will guide you through every step, ensuring that you produce a dish rich with heritage and taste.

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 whole, about 1.5 kg, cleaned and cut into pieces
• Soy Sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Rice Wine - 2 tablespoons
• Ginger - 1 inch, sliced
• Garlic - 5 cloves, minced
• Green Onions - 2, chopped
• Sichuan Peppercorns - 1 teaspoon
• Star Anise - 2 pieces
• Cinnamon - 1 stick
• Rock Sugar - 1 piece
• Chicken Stock - 2 cups
• Cornstarch - 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
• Sesame Oil - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt to taste

Preparation

Prior to delving into the cooking process, it's essential to prepare all the ingredients thoroughly. This will enable a smooth execution of the recipe and help capture the integral flavors of the dish.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Begin by taking the chicken and rinsing it under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into manageable pieces, approximately 2-inch segments, which allows for even cooking and presentation.

Step 2: Creating the Marinade

In a bowl, combine soy sauce and rice wine. Add the sliced ginger and minced garlic. Toss the chicken pieces in this marinade until they are well coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preparing Aromatics and Broth

While the chicken is marinating, chop the green onions and set them aside. Prepare the broth by mixing chicken stock with additional flavorings including Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon. Heat this mixture until it comes to a gentle simmer, allowing the spices to infuse.

Cooking Process

Now that the ingredients are prepped, we move to the core of the recipe. Follow these steps carefully to produce Lu Ban Chicken that is rich in taste and properly balanced in texture.

Step 1: Searing the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and place them carefully into the pan. Sear the chicken until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. This caramelization is crucial for the final flavor of the dish.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

With the heat set at medium, add the ginger slices and garlic from the marinade into the pan. Sauté them briefly until they are fragrant, and then introduce the warm spice-infused chicken stock mixture. Stir in the rock sugar and continue stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Simmering

Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer for about 30-35 minutes, remembering to occasionally turn the chicken pieces. This will ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Adjust the consistency and seasoning with a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 4: Thickening the Sauce

Remove the lid, and slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan while stirring constantly. This should begin to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish. Drizzle in the sesame oil for an added layer of nutty aroma.

How to Enjoy Lu Ban Chicken

Once the Lu Ban Chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s best enjoyed immediately while hot. The dish can be served over a bed of steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to seep into the grains providing an absorbing taste experience. Alternatively, you could pair it with stir-fried vegetables or simply as part of an extravagant banquet with other traditional dishes like fried rice or dumplings.

Each bite should deliver a burst of flavor, with the tender texture of the chicken balanced by the richness of the sauce and a hint of sweetness from the rock sugar. The inclusion of aromatic spices like Sichuan peppercorns and star anise lends a sophisticated depth, while the cornstarch slurry helps blanket each ingredient with a subtle sheen.

This dish not only satisfies hunger but also invites diners into the exquisite world of Chinese banquet cuisine, making it perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a special evening in.