Steamed chicken thighs offer a healthy and surprisingly flavorful alternative to fried or roasted chicken. This simple cooking method allows the natural juices of the chicken to remain locked in, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat. Forget dry, overcooked chicken breasts; thigh meat, with its higher fat content, is perfectly suited for steaming, delivering a succulent result that's both satisfying and light. The subtle sweetness of the chicken is beautifully complemented by aromatic ginger and pungent onion, creating a dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
Ready to experience the juicy perfection of perfectly steamed chicken thighs? Follow our easy step-by-step guide below and prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. You'll learn how to expertly steam your chicken thighs to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor, transforming a humble ingredient into a culinary delight.
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Steamer
- Knife
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 2 large (700g)
- Green onions: 80g
- Ginger: 40g
- Lemon: 1
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Salt
- Sugar: 1 spoonful
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Ground pepper
- Chili paste or powder: 2 spoons (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Add salt and lemon juice. Rub evenly for 2 minutes to remove odor.
- Wash and clean chicken thighs. Poke holes in the meat with a knife to help marinate and cook faster.
- Combine sugar, baking powder, seasoning powder, fish sauce, ground pepper, and chili paste (or powder). Mix well.
- Marinate chicken thighs with the prepared mixture for 20 minutes.
- Cut green onions into 6-7cm pieces and shred them.
Step 2. Steam the Chicken
- Drain marinated chicken thighs.
- Place chicken thighs in a steamer. Pour marinade evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded green onions, shallots, and garlic on top.
- Steam over medium heat for 25 minutes (after water boils).
- Add remaining green onions and steam for another 5 minutes.
Step 3. Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken cool slightly before serving.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use a dipping sauce of salt, pepper, and lemon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?
Both work great! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook, but they retain more moisture and flavor. Boneless are quicker and easier to serve.
2. What can I serve with steamed chicken thighs?
These are incredibly versatile! Serve them with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. They're also delicious in salads or sandwiches.
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy steamed chicken thighs! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, cooked with care, can create a truly satisfying meal. We hope you’ll add this delicious and easy recipe to your regular cooking repertoire.