Hainanese chicken rice

About Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese chicken rice is a popular dish originating from Singapore and Malaysia. This comforting meal consists of poached chicken cooked in aromatic spices and served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, chili sauce, and ginger paste. The dish is often garnished with sliced scallions and served with a side of chili sauce and soy sauce for added flavor. Hainanese chicken rice is a staple in many Asian households and is often enjoyed as a warm, satisfying meal.

Recipe: Hainanese Chicken Rice

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), patted dry
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 piece ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the rice:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 piece ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the chili sauce:

• 1/2 cup chili flakes
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 piece ginger, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

1. In a large pot or steamer, combine lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the whole chicken to the pot, breast side up. Cover with a lid or parchment paper.
3. Poach the chicken over high heat for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 1-2 hours, or until cooked through.

Step 2: Cook the rice

1. Rinse the uncooked white rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ginger and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Add the chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine with the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the chili sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine chili flakes, fish sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the dish

1. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
2. Serve the sliced chicken with the fragrant rice and a side of chili sauce.
3. Garnish with sliced scallions and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Hainanese chicken rice!

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