How to steam chicken to make it smooth and tender

The key to making steamed chicken smooth and tender is the marinating method and temperature control. There are mainly methods such as selecting fresh chicken, pre marinating, controlling steaming time, maintaining appropriate heat, and braising after steaming.

1. Choose fresh chicken

Fresh chicken has a finer texture and a better taste after steaming. It is recommended to choose chicken leg meat or chicken breast meat, as these parts have a more uniform texture. Pay attention to the color of the chicken when purchasing. Fresh chicken appears light pink with a glossy surface and no odor. Frozen chicken should be thawed in advance to avoid direct steaming and moisture loss.

2. Pre marinating

marinating can make chicken more flavorful and keep it tender and smooth. Mix a small amount of salt, cooking wine, ginger slices, and starch together, and marinate for about 15 minutes. Starch can form a protective layer on the surface of chicken, locking in moisture. You can also add a little cooking oil to make it smoother and more tender after steaming. Note that the pickling time should not be too long to avoid the meat turning into wood.

3. Control steaming time

Steaming time directly affects the tenderness of chicken meat. Steam chicken breast for 8-10 minutes and chicken leg for 12-15 minutes. Excessive time can cause the meat to age, while insufficient time may result in undercooked meat. You can insert chopsticks into the thickest part, if there is no blood seeping out. Maintain medium heat during steaming to avoid intense boiling that may cause the meat to harden.

4. Maintain appropriate heat

When steaming, the heat should be uniform and stable. After the water boils, add the chicken and keep the temperature in the pot between 90-100 degrees. Excessive heat can cause rapid shrinkage of the chicken surface and loss of internal moisture. You can place a cloth under the steaming pot lid to prevent water vapor from dripping and affecting the taste. Do not frequently open the lid during the steaming process to avoid sudden temperature changes.

5. After steaming

Do not take it out immediately after steaming, turn off the heat and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. Utilize residual heat to fully ripen the chicken meat while maintaining its freshness and tenderness. After removal, you can drizzle a little hot oil or steam fish and soy sauce to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a light taste, you can also eat it directly and keep the original flavor of the chicken. Steamed chicken is a simple and nutritious home cooked dish. In addition to paying attention to the above techniques, pairing it with a reasonable diet is more conducive to health. Suggest pairing with stir fried vegetables or mushroom ingredients for a more balanced nutrition. High quality protein intake can be appropriately increased in daily diet, but attention should also be paid to controlling the total amount and maintaining a diversified diet. Steaming is a recommended cooking method that maximizes the retention of nutrients in ingredients. For people with weaker digestive function, steamed chicken is easier to absorb and can be used as a high-quality source of protein.