Delicious Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken: A Traditional Recipe

Lotus leaf steamed chicken is a unique dish that embodies the rich traditional flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. With a harmonious blend of tender, sweet chicken and the gentle aroma of lotus leaves, this dish is not only delicious but also very healthy. Let’s explore the detailed recipe for lotus leaf steamed chicken below to prepare this dish at home.

Ingredients Needed

To make lotus leaf steamed chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for lotus leaf steamed chicken

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
• 2-3 fresh lotus leaves
• 15 grams dried wood ear mushrooms
• 50 grams fresh or dried lotus seeds
• 1 shallot
• 1 garlic bulb
• 2-3 scallions
• Turmeric powder
• Chili paste
• Honey
• Common seasonings: salt, fish sauce, seasoning powder, monosodium glutamate, pepper

The above quantities are suitable for a meal serving 3-5 people. If you have a larger family, you can increase the quantities proportionally.

Steps to Make Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, preparing the ingredients plays a crucial role in ensuring the highest quality of the dish.

• Chicken: Choose a whole chicken, not cut into pieces. After purchasing, wash the chicken with diluted saltwater to remove any odor. Check carefully for any remaining feathers on the chicken and remove them if present. Then, let the chicken drain.
• Shallot and garlic: Peel, wash, and mince finely.
• Scallions: Remove the roots, wash, and tie into a small bundle to stuff inside the chicken.
• Wood ear mushrooms: Soak in warm water for about 30 minutes until soft, then wash and chop finely.
• Lotus seeds: Wash and briefly boil for about 30 minutes until the seeds are just tender.

Preparing lotus leaf steamed chicken

Marinating the Chicken

After preparing the ingredients, start marinating the chicken with the seasoning mixture to ensure the flavors are well absorbed.

• Prepare a large bowl and mix the following ingredients: minced garlic, minced shallot, 1 tablespoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons pepper, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, ½ tablespoon monosodium glutamate, 1 tablespoon seasoning powder, 1 tablespoon chili paste, and 1 tablespoon honey.
• Wearing gloves, rub this mixture evenly over the entire surface of the chicken, both inside and out. Let the chicken marinate for about 1 hour.

After marinating, stuff the chicken with the filling. The filling includes: the scallion bundle, boiled lotus seeds, and chopped wood ear mushrooms. Use toothpicks to secure the opening to prevent the filling from falling out during steaming.

Steaming the Chicken

Step 1: Preparing the Steamer

You can use a regular steamer or a steam fryer to make this dish.

Step 2: Wrapping the Chicken in Lotus Leaves

Wash the lotus leaves and pat them dry. Place the chicken in the center of the lotus leaves and wrap it tightly. You can use string or toothpicks to secure the leaves to prevent them from coming undone during steaming.

Step 3: Steaming

Place the wrapped chicken in the steamer and steam over medium heat for about 1 hour. After this time, the lotus leaf steamed chicken is ready to be enjoyed.

Conclusion

The process of making lotus leaf steamed chicken is not overly complicated but requires attention to detail in each step. This dish not only offers a unique flavor but is also nutritious, making it a great option for a family meal. Try the recipe above and share your experience!

In addition to lotus leaf steamed chicken, you can also explore many other steaming recipes here.

References

1. Lotus Leaf Steamed Chicken Recipe – Unie Vietnam
2. Guide to Using Unie Steam Color Steam Fryer
3. Delicious Steamed Dishes with Unie Steam Fryer