Food & Receipts

3 Ingenious Ways to Steam a Chicken Without Water: A Must-Know Hack for All!

With this unique no-water boiling method, you can create mouth-watering, flavorful, and tender chicken dishes that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Administrator

3 August, 2024

Boil Chicken with Grain Salt

Chicken meat is a good source of protein, minerals, iron, and calcium. It is also a delicious and popular dish. Try boiling it with grain salt for a unique flavor.

How to Boil Chicken with Grain Salt:

Step 1: Start by rinsing the chicken and letting it air dry. There’s no need to season it beforehand. Line the bottom of the pot with a layer of grain salt; this prevents the chicken skin from sticking and the salt’s heat will infuse a wonderful aroma. You can use a rice cooker, but ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and heat, aiding the cooking process.

Step 2: Place the chicken in the pot, cover securely, and cook over low heat for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking; only do so when you start to smell the wonderful aroma. For faster cooking, consider cutting the chicken into smaller pieces.

Boil Chicken with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Leaves

Method:

Step 1: Clean the chicken and leave it whole. Pound some salt, a little MSG (if desired), and green bird’s eye chilies—the green chilies are a must for a fragrant chicken. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.

Note: Use a pot with a thick base and line it with a layer of grain salt. Add bruised and cut lemongrass, followed by kaffir lime leaves, then place the chicken on top and cover with another layer of kaffir lime leaves.

Step 2: Steam for about an hour. It’s best to use a pot with a clear glass lid so you can monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid too often, especially in the first 30 minutes, as this can cause heat loss and prolong cooking time.

Boil Chicken with Garlic

Peel and spread garlic cloves evenly in the pot, ensuring the chicken doesn’t touch the pot’s surface. Stuff the remaining garlic into the chicken’s cavity, then cover and simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes without lifting the lid. Surprisingly, the cooked chicken won’t have any garlic smell and will taste sweet. This method also enhances the flavor of the dish.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few clever methods to achieve this. One way is to use a traditional Chinese method called ‘Cai Fan’, which involves cooking the chicken with rice in a rice cooker. Another way is to use a slow cooker and create a makeshift steaming environment with vegetables and a heat-proof dish. A third method is to use a steamer basket inside a pot with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring that the chicken is elevated above the water level.

The ‘Cai Fan’ method is a simple process. First, rinse the rice and place it in the rice cooker with the appropriate amount of water. Then, place the chicken on top of the rice, ensuring it is fully covered. Turn on the rice cooker and let it cook. The steam created from cooking the rice will cook the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Steaming chicken without water retains the natural juices and flavors of the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish. It also eliminates the risk of overcooking, as the chicken is cooked gently and slowly. This method is also a healthier alternative to frying or roasting, as it requires little to no added fat.

You can use a variety of vegetables to create the steaming environment in the slow cooker. Carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes work well together to form a bed for the chicken to rest on. The vegetables will also add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it cooks.

For the ‘Cai Fan’ method, the chicken is typically cooked through once the rice is ready. However, you can always check by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. For the slow cooker and steamer basket methods, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).