Shanghai chicken

Shanghai Chicken - A Crispy and Delicious Appetizer

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe that will impress everyone, you've come to the right place! Shanghai Chicken, with its crispy texture and savory flavor, is the perfect appetizer for parties or a family dinner. This recipe combines simple ingredients with frying technique, bringing a touch of refinement to your table.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

The History of Shanghai Chicken
Shanghai Chicken is a recipe that became popular due to its simplicity and extraordinary taste. Over time, it has been adapted in various cuisines, having different variations, but the essence remains the same: a juicy chicken, dressed in a crispy batter and fried until golden.

Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 400g)
- 3 eggs
- 100g all-purpose flour
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 4 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 50g sesame seeds
- Oil for frying

Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. This will make your process much easier and more enjoyable. The chicken breast should be cut into thin strips to cook evenly and quickly. It is recommended to use fresh chicken as it provides a better texture.

Step by Step

1. Prepare the chicken
Wash the chicken breast and cut it into thin strips. In a bowl, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. This step is essential to give the chicken a base flavor.

2. Prepare the batter
In another bowl, beat the 3 eggs. Add salt, pepper, soy sauce, and mustard. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, similar to pancake batter. This will give the chicken that crispy and delicious crust.

3. Coat the chicken strips
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, take each chicken strip, dip it in the prepared batter, then roll it in the sesame seeds. The sesame coating will add a note of flavor and texture.

4. Fry the chicken
Place the chicken strips in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Make sure the oil temperature is constant; if it is too low, the chicken will become soggy, and if it is too high, it will burn.

5. Drain excess oil
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to remove excess oil. This step is crucial to keep the chicken crispy.

Serving
Shanghai Chicken is delicious served warm, alongside soy sauce or a sweet and sour sauce. You can accompany it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a pleasant contrast. Additionally, a fizzy drink or a light cocktail would perfectly complement the meal.

Helpful Tips
- You can add spices to the batter, such as paprika or garlic powder, to give it an even more intense flavor.
- If you want a healthier option, you can bake the chicken strips instead of frying them at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to achieve that crispy crust; a simple test is to throw a small piece of batter into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

Nutritional Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and sesame seeds are rich in calcium and antioxidants. This recipe offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a smart choice for a snack or appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, this recipe can also be adapted with turkey meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. How can I keep the chicken crispy?
It is recommended to serve the chicken immediately after frying, as it tends to become soft if left at room temperature.

3. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Although it is ideal to prepare the batter fresh, you can make it a few hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, covered.

So, don’t hesitate to try this Shanghai Chicken recipe! It will transport you to a world of flavors and textures, and your friends and family will be impressed by your culinary talent. Prepare it with love and joy, and you will have an appetizer worthy of the most beautiful occasions!