Many people fry, sauté, or bake chicken. However, most do not realize that steaming is a great way to cook chicken for a meal full of flavor. Steaming works well for chicken, especially boneless chicken breasts. The steam is used to ensure you get plenty of moisture and a tender cut that is full of great flavor too. Since you do not have to use any additional fat when cooking, it is a great way to make a healthy dish.
When you are steaming chicken, you can go with a traditional steamer that is used on top of saucepans. This simply has a rack that goes in the bottom of a pan that is tightly covered. This allows you to keep chicken suspended above the water. Another option is to use a good electric steamer as well.
If you are planning to go with a traditional steamer to make your steamed chicken, fill it about half full with water. Then bring the water to a boil on high heat. To add even more flavor to this dish, add in some flavorings like spices and herbs. In a single layer, add the chicken to the steamer. Make sure there is a bit of room between the pieces so the steam is able to freely circulate, resulting in even cooking. Now you can put the steamer into the pot over the water that is boiling. Just ensure that water is not getting into the steamer. Cover the pan and allow to cook for about 10 minutes.
After steaming for about 10 minutes, check the chicken carefully to see if it is cooked throughout. Do not just throw away that water either. It can be used for a nice broth to use in the future or you can use it to make a wonderful sauce to serve over top your steamed chicken.
One of the best tips for steaming is to marinate your chicken beforehand. This allows you to infuse plenty of great flavor into your chicken. You can add great flavor by adding some ingredients to the boiling water. Great options to try include ginger root, carrots, celery, and onions.
To ensure even cooking, cut a few cuts along the chicken to allow the heat to get into the chicken. This way it is cooked more evenly. While you are steaming, make sure you avoid removing the lid of the pot. As you remove the lid, steam, and heat escapes, which means you will have to cook the meal even longer.
Garlic Soy Steamed Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of salt
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 2 cilantro sprigs, fresh
- 5 tablespoons of soy sauce, preferably light
How to Make It:
In a large bowl, put salt and chicken together. Rub the salt all over the chicken. Allow the chicken to go in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
After refrigeration, rinse your chicken and then place into a pot that has a steamer basket. Bring the water in the pot to boiling, allowing chicken to steam until the juices are clear, which takes about 30 minutes. In a skillet, heat up your olive oil on medium heat. Stir in the onion and allow to cook until it is tender. Add garlic, cooking another minute. Stir the sesame oil and soy sauce into the mix. Serve sauce over chicken, using the cilantro as a garnish.
