Ginger & Scallion Chicken Recipe
Make Ginger & Scallion Chicken Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Marinade
Ginger-Scallion Sauce
For Cooking & Garnish
Method
Marinade
Prepare and Marinate Chicken
Trim any excess fat and pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a bowl combine 3 tbs light soy sauce, 2 tbs Shaoxing wine, 1 tbs cornstarch, 1 tsp sugar and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Allow chilled chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Ginger-Scallion Sauce
Prepare Aromatics
Peel and finely julienne the ginger until you have about 50 g. Trim and slice the scallions, separating the white/light-green parts (finely chopped) from the darker green tops reserved for garnish.
Make the Sauce Base
In a heatproof bowl combine 2 tbs light soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp ground pepper. Stir to dissolve sugar and salt. Add the chopped white/light-green scallions and the julienned ginger to the bowl and mix evenly.
Heat Oil and Bloom Aromatics
In a small saucepan or skillet, heat 120 ml neutral oil over medium-high heat until it just begins to shimmer and is very hot but not smoking (about 190–200°C / 370–400°F if using a thermometer). Carefully and gradually pour the hot oil over the ginger and scallion mixture in the heatproof bowl (pour in a thin steady stream while stirring). The oil will sizzle and bloom the aromatics, softening the raw bite and releasing fragrance. Stir the sauce and let it rest for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
Cook Chicken
Sear Chicken
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place the marinated chicken skin-side down in a single layer, pressing gently so skin makes contact. Sear undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until skin is deep golden-brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and sear the other side 3 minutes.
Finish Cooking
If chicken is thick or not fully cooked after searing, reduce heat to medium-low and add 60 ml water or low-sodium chicken stock to the pan, cover, and braise gently for 6–8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove the lid and raise heat for 1–2 minutes to evaporate excess liquid and re-crisp the skin.
Rest
Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes to redistribute juices. If desired, slice into serving pieces (halves or thirds depending on thigh size).
Finish & Serve
Assemble
Spoon the ginger-scallion sauce liberally over the chicken, making sure to include the infused oil and aromatics. Garnish with the reserved green scallion tops and cilantro if using.
Serving Suggestion
Serve hot with steamed white rice or jasmine rice and lightly sautéed or steamed greens. Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before using.