Imagine a dish that combines the delicate tenderness of perfectly steamed chicken with the aromatic allure of jasmine rice - a meal that promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Asian cuisine. This Steamed Salted Chicken and Rice recipe is not just a meal; it's a simple yet extraordinary culinary experience that will revolutionize your home cooking, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy during cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently to distribute the salt evenly.
- Place the chicken thighs in a separate bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Massage the oil and salt into the chicken to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Prepare a steamer basket or a heatproof dish that fits inside a large pot. If using a steamer basket, make sure it is elevated above the water level. If using a heatproof dish, you can place it on a trivet or a small rack inside the pot.
- Pour the rice and water mixture into the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- While the rice is cooking, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the steamer basket or on the heatproof dish. Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Once the rice has come to a simmer, carefully place the steamer basket or dish with the chicken on top of the pot, ensuring it does not touch the water. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Steam the chicken for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. The rice will also finish cooking during this time, absorbing the flavors from the steam.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and check the chicken for doneness. If it's fully cooked, remove the steamer basket or dish from the pot. If not, cover and steam for an additional few minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the steamed chicken thighs on a platter alongside the fluffy jasmine rice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor and a pop of color. Enjoy your Steamed Salted Chicken and Rice hot!
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Crucial: Take your time when rinsing the jasmine rice. Thorough rinsing removes excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains that aren't sticky or gummy.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (75°C). This guarantees food safety without overcooking the meat.
- Steam Setup is Key: Ensure your steamer basket or dish doesn't touch the water. This prevents boiling and maintains the gentle, even cooking that makes steaming so special.
- Sesame Oil Magic: Don't skip the sesame oil when seasoning the chicken. It adds a subtle, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Garnish with Purpose: Fresh green onions aren't just for looks - they add a bright, sharp contrast to the rich, savory chicken and rice.Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after steaming to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 564kcal
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
