Tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor – that's the promise of this simple beer-steamed chicken recipe. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy marinades; this dish delivers incredible results with minimal effort. Using the power of beer to infuse the chicken with a subtle richness and depth of flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. The beer adds a surprising complexity without overpowering the delicate taste of the chicken, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
This recipe utilizes a classic steaming method, ensuring the chicken remains moist and succulent. The subtle sweetness and malty notes of the beer create a magical pairing with the chicken, elevating it beyond a typical steamed dish. Ready to experience the deliciousness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own perfectly steamed, beer-infused chicken masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Jar
- Steamer
- Pot
- Chopsticks
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.6 kg
- Lemongrass: 3 stalks
- Lemon leaves: 20 g
- Shallots: 100 g
- Garlic: 70 g
- Chili peppers: 10 g
- Lemon: 1
- Salt
- Sugar: 4 spoons
- MSG: 1/3 spoon
- Ground pepper: 1/3 spoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 spoon
- Fish sauce: 5 spoons
- Shrimp satay: 2 spoons
- Beer: 1 can (330ml)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Clean the chicken thoroughly. Remove the lungs, excess fat, and blood clots from the liver, heart, and kidney. Wash and clean the chicken inside and out. Marinate with lemon and salt.
- Smash and chop the lemongrass.
- Combine sugar, MSG, ground pepper, seasoning powder, fish sauce, and shrimp satay.
- Place the chicken in a jar, and massage the marinade into the chicken, both inside and out. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows.
Step 2. Steam the Chicken
- Add shallots, garlic, lemon leaves, lemongrass, and chili peppers to the pot.
- Add beer to the pot, ensuring it doesn't pour directly onto the chicken. Cover and steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken and steam for another 5 minutes.
Step 3. Simmer and Glaze
- Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken to enhance color and flavor. Continue steaming until the water is reduced to about three to four ladles (approximately 20-25 more minutes).
Step 4. Serve
- Once cooked, cut and serve the chicken with the remaining sauce and chili peppers.
Read more: Quick & Easy Dry Chicken Noodle Pho Recipe
Tips
- Use a chicken that is just tough enough, not too tough and not too soft.
- Adjust steaming time depending on chicken size. A 1-1.5 kg chicken will take approximately 30-35 minutes.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of beer for this recipe?
Yes, but lighter beers like lagers or pilsners work best. Darker beers can impart a stronger, more bitter flavor.
2. What if I don't have a steamer basket? Can I still make this?
Yes! You can improvise by placing the chicken in a heatproof dish over a pot of simmering beer. Make sure the water level doesn't touch the chicken.
This simple beer-steamed chicken recipe is a testament to how minimal effort can yield maximum flavor. The moist, tender chicken, infused with the subtle notes of beer, is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy this easy and delicious meal!