Steamed Whole Chicken Recipe

Summary

This recipe teaches you how to steam a whole chicken with ginger and green onions. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken that can be served with steamed rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds/1.8 kg)
• 3-4 slices of ginger
• 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the chicken with salt and sugar, making sure to coat the inside cavity as well.
3. Stuff the chicken cavity with ginger and green onion pieces.
4. Truss the chicken with kitchen twine or secure the legs with toothpicks.
5. In a deep pot that can fit the chicken, pour in enough water to reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. Place a steaming rack or a plate with raised edges in the pot.
6. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the chicken on the steaming rack or plate.
7. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam the chicken for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
8. While the chicken is steaming, mix together the Shaoxing wine (if using), soy sauce, sesame oil, and vegetable oil in a small bowl.
9. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a serving platter. Use a spoon or a baster to remove any accumulated juices from the cavity and pour it over the chicken.
10. Spoon the sauce mixture over the chicken and garnish with more sliced green onions or cilantro, if desired.
11. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving into serving-sized pieces.

Estimated Servings

4-6 servings

Estimated Prep Time

15 minutes

Estimated cooking time

45 minutes

Estimated calories per serving

The estimated calories per serving for this recipe is around 300-400 calories.

Health Rating

(5/5 stars) – This recipe is a healthy and flavorful way to cook chicken without any added fat or oil. It is a great source of protein and can be paired with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.