Foil-Wrapped Ginseng Chicken
Steamed ginseng chicken wrapped in foil is a simple wrap and cook dinner solution. This is a very healthy and convenient recipe. The ginseng I am using is called american ginseng fiber (洋参须). It is an inexpensive type of american ginseng touted with ‘cooling’ (降火) & mental-clarifying (提神) benefits.
See Also:
You can purchase this particular ginseng in Singapore at traditional Chinese medical hall or supermarkets (I bought a 150g packet at Fuhua for S$5.50).
First marinade the chicken with ginseng & seasonings for at least half hour.
Prepare a large sheet of foil. Place ginseng & aromatics & a few shiitake mushrooms at the bottom.
Place boneless chicken on top and top with rest of the ingredients & sauce.
Wrap the foil packets.
Steam and serve.
Foil-Wrapped Ginseng Chicken Recipe
The steaming time varies according to the cut and thickness of the chicken you use, so adjust accordingly.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thigh (about 250 grams each) may also use breast or other cuts
(A) Marinade
- 30g american ginseng “beard”/fiber 洋参须
- 2 shitake mushrooms sliced thinly
- 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp ginger juice
- 1 tbsp water
(B) Divide the following into two parcels
- 8 red dates
- 1/2 tbsp of wolfberries
- 6 slices ginger
- 6 garlic cloves bruised
- 1 stalk spring onions cut to 5 cm (inch) length
You also need:
- two pieces of aluminium foil (or parchment paper) measuring 30 x 20 cm
Directions:
- Marinade chicken with (A) in a bowl or ziplock bag in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Lay both sheets of aluminium foil on a flat work surface. Divide and arrange (B) equally to occupy one half of each foil sheet. Arrange the marinated chicken (including the marinade sauce, mushroom and ginseng) over the ingredients.
- Fold the foil over the chicken. Seal the parcel by folding in lengthwise, then followed by the two sides.
- Steam the foil packages at high heat for about 40 minutes. When opening the parcel, be careful of hot steam coming out from it.