Soy Sauce Chicken

Soy Sauce Chicken is a simple and delicious recipe that is easy to prepare. It is a staple in many Asian households. This meal comprises chicken thighs marinated in a savory combination of soy sauce, soy paste, and spices. It’s so simple that anyone can do it!

History of Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a key element in Asian cooking. It’s used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, marinades, and dips, and of course, the soy sauce chicken. Soy sauce lends a rich, savory flavor to recipes, making them more balanced and nuanced. It’s a popular ingredient in modern cooking, and its long history and cultural significance have made it a timeless classic.

Soy sauce has been around for more than two thousand years. It originated in China in 206 B.C. as a method of making salt last longer. The original soy sauce was a fermented grain paste called “jiang,” which evolved into the liquid soy sauce we use today.

The method of making soy sauce spread across East and Southeast Asia, with each region creating its own unique style and flavor. For example:

• Chinese soy sauce includes both light and dark versions, essential for authentic Chinese cooking, known for their rich flavors and versatility.
• Taiwanese soy sauce is known for its sweet and salty balance, often made with black soybeans and wheat, giving it a rich taste perfect for dishes like braised pork belly or soy sauce chicken.
• Japanese soy sauce, or “shoyu,” includes wheat and is usually sweeter and less salty than the Chinese kind.
• Korean soy sauce, or “ganjang,” is made with different grains and has a unique taste.

Tips to Improve Your Soy Sauce Chicken

Pairing Suggestions:

• The delicious and rich flavors of our Soy Sauce Chicken complement a wide range of side dishes. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice is a traditional accompaniment, soaking up the delectable sauce wonderfully.
• For a refreshing crunch, consider a simple cucumber salad or stir-fried bok choy.
• A cup of hot oolong tea or a cold beer pairs well with the dish.

Variations:

This soy sauce chicken recipe is adaptable and open to experimentation. For those who prefer a little heat, add some dried chili peppers or a dash of chili oil to the marinade. If you like a sweet note, a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar would work well. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with firm tofu or meaty mushrooms like portobello or shiitake. The options with this customizable recipe are boundless, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home cook, this soy sauce chicken recipe provides an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the robust flavors and versatility of soy sauce. Plus, the suggested pairings and variations make this recipe adaptable to any palate, ensuring it will become a favorite in many households.

Soy Sauce Chicken

DelishDoers

Soy Sauce Chicken, a staple in home cooking across Asia, is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. It's a favorite among many, offering a simple recipe that suits any level of cooking skill. This dish is so enticing that it might have you reaching for an extra bowl of rice without hesitation.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 people

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy paste
• 8 cloves of garlic
• 2 inches of fresh ginger peeled
• 2 tablespoons cooking wine
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 star anise
• 2 cups of water
• 2 scallions chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sesame oil to taste

Instructions

 

• Marinating the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, soy paste, garlic, ginger, and cooking wine. Place your chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered. Let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor.
  
• Brown the Chicken: After marinating, use a deep skillet or pot to brown the chicken thighs on both sides.
  
• Cook: Add the marinade to the pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, sesame oil, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  
• Simmering: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  
• Seasoning: Towards the end of cooking, add the chopped scallions.
  
• Serving: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with more chopped scallions.
  

Video

Notes

1. Marination time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will absorb. Overnight is ideal, but if you’re short on time, even an hour can make a big difference.
2. Browning the chicken: Browning the chicken thighs before simmering helps seal in the juices and provides a nice texture. Make sure the skillet is hot before you add the chicken to get a good sear.
3. Simmering: When simmering, make sure the heat is low enough that the liquid is just lightly bubbling. If it’s boiling too vigorously, the chicken might become tough.
4. Adjusting the sauce: If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken from the pot and then simmer the sauce on medium-high heat until it reduces to your desired thickness. You can also dissolve a little cornstarch in cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce to thicken it.
5. Serving: This dish would go great with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. You could also add some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
6. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld and it will be even more delicious the next day.