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Traditional Cooking

The Legend of Cantonese Flavor: The Delights of White Cut Chicken

A: The Culture and Charm of Cantonese White Cut Chicken


Cantonese White Cut Chicken, a delicacy originating from the Lingnan region, has become a classic representative of Cantonese cuisine with its unique flavor and profound cultural heritage. This dish is not just a meal; it embodies the Cantonese pursuit of the original taste of food and is a microcosm of Lingnan's dietary culture.


Cultural Background:

The history of White Cut Chicken can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, witnessing the development and changes of Guangdong's food culture. In Guangdong, White Cut Chicken often appears at family gatherings and festive celebrations, making it an indispensable dish on the Cantonese dining table.


Features:

The specialty of White Cut Chicken lies in its "whiteness," meaning it is cooked without any seasonings to preserve the original taste of the chicken. The word "cut" represents the cutting method of the dish, usually cooled quickly after boiling and then sliced into thin pieces to maintain the tenderness of the meat.


Taste and Texture:

The meat of White Cut Chicken is tender and smooth, with a fragrant skin and flavorful flesh, offering a delicious taste that is neither greasy nor overwhelming. Its light flavor does not detract from the chicken's deliciousness, making it a top choice for those pursuing a healthy diet.


Appearance:

The appearance of White Cut Chicken is simple and elegant, with the chicken's color being pure white and the skin and flesh clearly distinguished, which immediately whets one's appetite.


Nutritional Value:

Chicken meat itself is rich in protein and various trace elements, making it an excellent source of nutrition. The simple cooking method of White Cut Chicken preserves the nutritional components of the chicken meat, making it suitable for people of all ages.


B: The Production Process of Cantonese White Cut Chicken


Ingredients:

  • Main ingredient: A Sanhuang chicken (approximately 3.3 pounds)

  • Accessories: Ginger, green onions, cilantro, garlic


Tools:

  • A large pot

  • Knives

  • Cutting board

  • Iced water for cooling


Preparation of Ingredients:

  1. Clean the Sanhuang chicken thoroughly, removing any internal organs and excess fat.

  2. Slice the ginger, cut the green onions into sections, and wash the cilantro for later use.


Cooking Steps:

  1. Add water to the pot, place ginger slices and green onion sections, and bring to a boil over high heat.

  2. After the water boils, place the chicken in, turn the heat to low, and let the water simmer, cooking for about 20 minutes.

  3. After cooking, quickly place the chicken in iced water to cool, which helps to make the chicken meat more firm.

  4. Once cooled, remove the chicken, drain the water, and slice it into thin pieces.


Seasoning Techniques:

  1. Mince the garlic and add an appropriate amount of salt and a little sugar.

  2. Stir-fry the minced garlic in hot oil until fragrant to make a garlic sauce.

  3. Depending on personal taste, you can add cilantro and green onions.


Serving Suggestions:

  1. When eating, dip the chicken in the garlic sauce for an enhanced flavor.

  2. It can be paired with some light vegetables, such as lettuce or cucumber, to add layers of taste.