Trini-Chinese Style Chicken is another example of the multicultural evolution of Trinidad Cuisine. This deep-fried chicken dish is known for its dark crispy or "crispy," as we say in Trinidad, skin that crunches with every bite. A mixture of five Chinese spices, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce used as a marinade gives the chicken a deep rich flavor that is trapped within the moist layers of meat. This dish pairs well with any of your favorite Chinese side dishes or are perfect as an appetizer - also known as cutters - for your next time.
For the best results when deep-frying food: make sure the oil is heated to the correct temperature for that food item and do not overcrowd the pot by making sure there is enough room for the food to be fully submerged in the oil and space for flipping.
How do you fry Chinese Style chicken?
To fry Chinese Style Chicken, the chicken is marinated for a few hours or for best results overnight if time allows. It's then dried off and left to come up to room temperature to reduce splatter from the oil. Its then fried for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. The chicken is then glazed with sauce and ready to be enjoyed.
What temperature do you fry Chinese chicken?
Chinese Chicken is fried at 350 F.
Do you steam chicken before frying?
Yes, you can steam chicken before frying it. This will help shorten the frying time as well as ensure you're chicken is fully cooked and extra crispy.
How long should I boil chicken before frying?
Depending on the size of the chicken as well as if it contains bones or not will determine how long you need to boil the chicken. You can place the chicken into a pot of salted water, checking it after about 8 minutes. If the chicken is still pink inside, place it back into boil for another few minutes before checking the chicken once again. Be sure not to overcook you chicken, as this will result in unpleasant, dry and chewy meat.
Ingredients
1 Teaspoon Five Spices Powder
3 Tablespoons All-purpose or Light Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Rice Wine
30 grams Ginger fresh minced
6 Large Cloves Garlic Minced
3 Green Onions Minced
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 Whole Chicken cut into quarters OR 4 Leg & Thigh quarters SKIN ON
750-1000 ml Frying Oil; Peanut or Soy
2 Tablespoons Peanut Oil or Soy Oil
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
125 ml Oyster Sauce
Instructions
Place the Chicken Five Spice powder, soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, green onions, and brown sugar into a bowl and massage the meat, making sure the chicken is completely coated.
Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of an hour or overnight for a deeper flavor and color.
Prepare the cooling station with a plate or serving dish for the chicken to be placed onto after frying.
Once the marinating is finished, remove the pieces of chicken onto a plate and reserve the marinade liquid for making a sauce later.
Make sure to remove all excess liquid from the chicken before frying. This can be done by patting dry with a paper towel or placing the plate of chicken into the fridge for another hour uncovered. This will help reduce oil spattering during the frying and crisp the extra skin.
Before frying the chicken, allow it to come to room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
Using a large heavy pot or deep fryer, add the frying oil and warm the oil on medium-high heat to 350 °F, the temperature you want to maintain during the cooking process for the best results.
Gently place one piece of chicken into the pot or fryer and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side. Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken quarter and how many pieces are in the pot or fryer at one time.
Once the chicken is finished cooking, remove it from the hot oil to the cooling station and allow it to rest while you finish cooking the remaining chicken pieces. If you want to check if the chicken is cooked thoroughly, carefully use a knife and cut a small slit near the bone to see if the meat has been thoroughly cooked.
After all the chicken is finished frying and is resting in the cooling station, you can prepare the sauce.
Using a saucepan or deep saute pan, place the 2 tablespoons of peanut or soy oil and sesame oil on medium to high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinade liquid and oyster sauce to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and pour over the chicken or place into a small bowl or a ramekin dipping dish.
Serve the chicken with your favorite Chinese side dishes or chop it into smaller pieces and use it as appetizers/cutters.
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