Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 8 gua bao buns
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wire rack
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
a. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
b. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
c. Dip chicken thighs in the flour mixture, then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the panko breadcrumbs.
d. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
e. Steam gua bao buns according to package instructions.
f. Brush hoisin sauce on the inside of each bun. Add a piece of fried chicken, and top with chopped scallions and cilantro.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
Vegetable oil should be heated to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 24g
Sodium: 1310mg
Sugar: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with sriracha or chili flakes.
- Hoisin sauce can be substituted with barbecue sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Variations:
- Add pickled vegetables such as carrots and daikon for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different proteins such as pork belly or shrimp.
- Add a fried egg on top for a breakfast twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to ensure a crispy crust.
- Use a wire rack to drain excess oil and prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
- Steam the gua bao buns right before serving to keep them soft and warm.
Storage instructions:
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the gua bao with fried chicken on a platter and garnish with extra chopped scallions and cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions and cilantro.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice, cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the chicken is not cooked through or the crust is not crispy, adjust the cooking time or temperature accordingly.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Gua bao, also known as Taiwanese bao, is a popular street food in Taiwan. It consists of a steamed bun filled with various meats, vegetables, and sauces.
Flavor profiles:
The fried chicken is crispy and savory, while the hoisin sauce adds sweetness and umami. The scallions and cilantro provide freshness and a pop of color.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the gua bao with fried chicken as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Taiwanese