History and Origin of Chinese Boiled Chicken with Scallions Chow Yow Gai
Chinese Boiled Chicken with Scallions Chow Yow Gai is a traditional recipe from Chinese cuisine that has become widely popular both in China and in various regions of Latin America. This dish stands out for its simplicity and delicate flavor, the result of a careful cooking process that maintains the juiciness of the chicken and the fresh taste of the scallions.
In China, this type of steamed or boiled cooking is very common, especially in the Guangdong province, where techniques that preserve the naturalness of the ingredients are prioritized. In different Latin American countries, the recipe can be found under similar names, such as "Steamed Chicken with Scallions" in Mexico or "Cantonese-Style Chicken with Green Onion" in Peru, slightly adapting local ingredients without losing the essence of the original preparation.
This dish is known for using few seasonings, mainly light soy sauce and sesame oil, which provide aroma and flavor without overshadowing the freshness of the chicken and scallions. The technique of boiling and then letting the chicken rest creates a unique, tender, and juicy texture, making Chow Yow Gai a perfect choice for both daily meals and special occasions.
How to Prepare Chinese Boiled Chicken with Scallions Chow Yow Gai
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
When the water is boiling, place the cleaned whole chicken inside.
When the water stops boiling, remove the chicken.
Cover the pot and when the water returns to a boil, place the chicken back into the pot.
Cover the pot and turn off the heat.
Leave the chicken in the pot and the pot on the burner.
After one hour, the chicken will be ready.
Remove and let it cool.
Debone the chicken and shred the meat into small strips.
Place them on a large platter.
Clean the scallions and cut each one in half lengthwise.
Then cut them into 1/2-inch pieces and place them on top of the pile of chicken.
Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the chicken.
Sprinkle the salt over the scallions.
When you are ready to serve, pour the hot peanut oil over the scallions and chicken.
Mix like a salad and serve.
