steamed szechuan chicken Recipe mr_morcilla

1. 1

   A few hours, or the day before: prepare a rub by toasting peppercorns and salt in a small skillet over med-high heat until salt turns beige or golden.

2. 2

   You can double or treble recipe and save for future uses.

3. 3

   when cool enough to handle, grind salt-peppercorn mixture in very clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle

4. 4

   On a clean cutting board, split rinsed chicken down the breast with shears or a big knife.

5. 5

   pull breast halves apart and push chicken flat on cutting board.

6. 6

   Coat entire chicken with peppercorn mixture.

7. 7

   Dont oversalt!

8. 8

   You may have some rub leftover.

9. 9

   put chicken in non-reactive plate or bowl, cover with plastic wrap, leave to marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours or, ideally, a day.

10. 10

    Boil a couple quarts of water for steaming in the lower section of a large oriental steamer pan, or any steamer pan that will accommodate the chicken laid flat.

11. 11

    Place chicken skin side up on steamer insert atop boiling water.

12. 12

    Sprinkle ginger and garlic on chicken, then scallions and cilantro sprigs.

13. 13

    Cover, adjust heat to med-high for a steady boil.

14. 14

    Steam for 30-40 minutes, until juices are clear, or meat at thigh joints are no longer pink when cut.

15. 15

    Serve whole on a platter, or cut into pieces Chinese style before serving.

16. 16

    Serve with rice, of course, and a your favorite Chinese green vegetable.

17. 17

    Delicious at room temp or cold too, or as a Chicken Salad ingredient.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.