Hainanese Chicken Rice Recipe: A Taste of Singapore
If you're looking for a delicious and iconic dish from Singapore, Hainanese Chicken Rice is a must-try. Known for its fragrant rice, tender poached chicken, and flavorful sauces, this dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Follow this easy, step-by-step recipe to recreate this Singaporean classic at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 stalks of spring onions (cut into large pieces)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Rice:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons chicken fat or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (minced)
- 3 cups chicken stock (from poaching the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Chili Sauce:
- 4 red chilies (seeded for less heat)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chicken stock (from poaching the chicken)
For the Soy Sauce Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chicken stock
Garnish:
- Fresh cucumber slices
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Poach the Chicken
- Clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with salt to remove impurities. Rinse well.
- In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the chicken to a boil. Add ginger, garlic, and spring onions.
- Submerge the chicken in the boiling water. Reduce to a gentle simmer and poach for 35-40 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain its tenderness. Brush the chicken with sesame oil and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Heat chicken fat or vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add the washed rice and stir for 2-3 minutes to coat the grains in oil.
- Transfer the rice to a rice cooker, add the chicken stock, and season with salt. Cook as per your rice cooker’s instructions.
Step 3: Make the Chili Sauce
- Blend chilies, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sugar, and chicken stock until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the Soy Sauce Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix light soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken stock. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 5: Serve
- Carve the poached chicken into serving pieces.
- Serve the chicken with fragrant rice, cucumber slices, and a small bowl of chicken stock.
- Drizzle the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and garnish with coriander leaves. Provide the chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Use fresh, free-range chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Save the leftover chicken stock for soups or other recipes.
- Adjust the chili sauce heat level by varying the amount of chili seeds.
Why Hainanese Chicken Rice is Loved in Singapore
Hainanese Chicken Rice is a dish that embodies simplicity and balance. The tender chicken, aromatic rice, and flavorful sauces create a harmonious combination that delights the palate. Originating from Hainan, China, it has become a national dish of Singapore, loved for its comfort and versatility.
Whether you're reminiscing about a trip to Singapore or simply exploring global flavors, this recipe brings a taste of Singapore to your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Hainanese Chicken Rice!
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