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Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage (凤梨蒸鸡) is a delicious and aromatic dish often enjoyed in Chinese cuisine. The chicken is marinated, then steamed to perfection with Chinese sausage, imparting a rich, savory flavor. It’s a dish that’s simple yet comforting, combining tender chicken with the umami of Chinese sausage.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 1 to 1.2 kg)
2-3 Chinese sausages (lap Cheong), sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 slices of ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and remove any excess fat. Pat dry with paper towels. Make a few small incisions in the chicken to allow the flavors to infuse.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, ginger, salt, and white pepper. Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Steaming Setup: Set up a large steamer. Fill the bottom with water and bring it to a boil.
Steaming: Place the marinated chicken in a heatproof dish and top with slices of Chinese sausage. Place the dish in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F). You may need to add more water to the steamer as it evaporates.
Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the steamer and carefully slice. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.

Nutrients

Since the exact portion sizes aren’t specified, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (assuming about 4 servings):

Calories: 400–450 kcal
Protein: 35–40g
Carbohydrates: 8–12g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sugar: 2–4g
Fat: 25–30g
- Saturated Fat: 7–10g
Cholesterol: 70–80mg
Sodium: 700–900mg
Potassium: 400–500mg
Calcium: 20–30mg
Iron: 2–3mg

This breakdown is an estimate and will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For a more accurate nutritional value, you can use a specific nutritional calculator based on the actual ingredients.

The Magic of Steaming in Chinese Cuisine

Steaming is one of the most popular and traditional cooking methods in Chinese cuisine. It allows ingredients to retain their natural flavors, nutrients, and textures, while also infusing the food with the aromas of the ingredients it’s cooked with. In the case of Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage, the steam helps to preserve the chicken’s juiciness and tenderness, while the sausages release their fatty, savory juices, which infuse the chicken, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish.

This method of cooking not only produces a moist and tender chicken but also preserves the delicate flavors of the marinade, making the dish both satisfying and aromatic. The addition of Chinese sausage, or “lap Cheong,” takes the dish to another level with its slightly sweet, smoky, and savory flavor, providing a depth that perfectly complements the simplicity of the chicken.

Understanding the Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating the authentic Cantonese flavor profile.

Whole Chicken: The star of the dish, the chicken is marinated to soak up all the flavors. Its tenderness and juiciness are enhanced through steaming, making it a satisfying and comforting main.
Chinese Sausage (Lap Cheong): This key ingredient adds a deep, savory richness to the dish. The sausages are slightly sweet and fatty, which infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it moist. The smoky aroma of the sausage complements the mild taste of the chicken perfectly.
Soy Sauce: A staple in Chinese cooking, soy sauce provides the dish with umami, saltiness, and a bit of color. It’s the foundation of the marinade that helps to tenderize the chicken.
Shaoxing Wine: Known for its rich, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, Shaoxing wine is a popular Chinese cooking wine. It enhances the depth of the marinade and contributes to the complex aroma of the dish.
Sesame Oil: This adds a nutty, fragrant finish to the marinade, giving the chicken a subtle yet rich flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: Both garlic and ginger are aromatic ingredients that infuse the chicken with their savory and slightly spicy notes. They also help balance the richness of the sausage.
Sugar: The slight sweetness of sugar helps to balance the savory and salty elements in the marinade, creating a more rounded flavor profile.

The Steaming Process: Keeping It Simple Yet Delicious

Steaming the chicken is a crucial part of the process. This method ensures the chicken retains its moisture and tenderness while absorbing the flavors of the marinade and Chinese sausage. Steaming is also a healthy way to cook, as it does not require the addition of extra fats, allowing the natural flavors to shine.

To steam the chicken, a large steamer is used to create an even heat distribution. As the chicken cooks, it becomes infused with the essence of the Chinese sausage, while the natural juices from both the chicken and the sausage mingle, creating a rich and savory sauce. This sauce is often spooned over the chicken before serving, adding another layer of flavor.

The timing of the steaming process is important to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. Typically, the chicken is steamed for about 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked but still moist and tender. If you don’t have a steamer, you can also use a large pot with a steamer rack or even improvise with a heatproof dish placed over boiling water.

Serving Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage

Once the chicken is steamed to perfection, it is ready to be served. The dish is often garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions, which add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the chicken and sausage. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, the savory Chinese sausage, and the umami-rich marinade makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.

This dish is typically served with a side of steamed rice, which helps absorb the flavorful sauce that forms during the steaming process. The rice acts as a neutral base, allowing the savory flavors of the chicken and sausage to shine.

Nutritional Benefits: A Healthy and Flavorful Meal

Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, especially when compared to other fried or stir-fried dishes. The steaming method keeps the chicken moist without added fats, while the ingredients provide a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

The chicken itself is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair, while the Chinese sausage provides some fat content and adds richness to the dish. The addition of garlic, ginger, and other spices gives the dish a range of antioxidants, which are beneficial for immune health and digestion.

While this dish is flavorful, it is also mindful of sodium content, especially given the use of soy sauce. The sodium level can vary depending on whether you use regular or low-sodium soy sauce, so it’s important to adjust to your preference or dietary needs. The dish is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and calcium from the chicken and sausage, and vitamin C from the ginger and cilantro garnish.

Variations and Tips

While this dish is traditionally made with a whole chicken, you can also use chicken parts like thighs or drumsticks for a more convenient option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the chicken pieces.

If you prefer a bit more heat in your dish, you can add a few slices of red chili to the marinade or sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving. Additionally, for a more aromatic variation, try adding some dried mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms to the steaming dish, as they pair beautifully with the umami of the sausage and chicken.

Conclusion

Cantonese Steamed Chicken with Chinese Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish that combines simplicity with depth of flavor. The tender, juicy chicken, marinated with savory soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil, pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky Chinese sausage. The steaming process keeps the chicken moist and tender, while infusing it with the delicious flavors of the marinade and sausage. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering. Whether you’re new to Chinese cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.