White crispy chicken

White crispy chicken – a renowned dish from Chengwu county in East China's Shandong province – is said to have originated during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Initially a soy-based delicacy, it has evolved over more than 300 years – incorporating ingredients such as chicken breast, lean pork, fish and shrimps. The dish is known for its exquisite taste and glorious flavors, making it a must-have choice for foodies.

Shaped in a half-sphere, white crispy chicken is steamed using chicken breast as the main ingredient. The bird's breast is meticulously pounded until it becomes a fine paste and is then mixed with fish, lean pork and seasoned with salt and a hint of sesame oil.

Additional ingredients include fresh shrimps, eggs, yam, soybean flour and a blend of ginger and green onion juice. The mixture is then delicately seasoned with a variety of spices to create a well-balanced flavor.

White crispy chicken stands out for its tender, fine, crisp and fresh qualities. Its appearance is a delightful combination of yellow and white, with a transparent, glistening texture.

The flavors are rich and delicious, while the dish remains light and refreshing. The chicken paste is velvety smooth, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Its versatility allows for a multitude of culinary variations, including serving as both a main dish or as an ingredient in other recipes. It can be cooked by steaming, braising, or stir-frying and can be sliced, diced, or formed into various shapes, providing endless possibilities.

When preparing white crispy chicken, additional ingredients such as green vegetables, bamboo shoots, squid and mushrooms are stir-fried separately and then combined with the sliced offering.

The dish is artfully presented, with the chicken arranged in a fan-like shape, floating in a flavorful broth and garnished with a variety of herbs.

This meticulous display adds visual appeal and is said in China to enhance the dining experience. Another popular presentation style involves arranging sliced white crispy chicken in a round bowl, creating a visually pleasing display of white and golden layers, tantalizing the taste buds with each bite. (Edited by Xue Xinyi)

[Video for chinadaily.com.cn]