Salt-Steamed Chicken: The Secret to Delicious, Flavorful Chicken

Salt-steamed chicken is a rustic dish that is incredibly appealing with its delicious and rich flavor. Unlike typical boiled or roasted chicken, salt-steamed chicken retains the natural sweetness of the meat, combined with the aromatic scent of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and a hint of spicy chili. This dish is not only simple and easy to make but also perfect for family meals or as a casual snack. This article will guide you through the detailed process of making salt-steamed chicken, ensuring success on your first try.

Golden and tempting salt-steamed chicken

How to Choose the Perfect Chicken for Salt-Steaming

Choosing the right chicken is crucial for a delicious salt-steamed dish. Free-range chicken is the top choice because its meat is firmer, more tender, and fattier than that of industrial chickens.

• Weight: Choose a chicken with a moderate weight, around 1-1.5kg. Avoid chickens that are too large or too small. Small chickens have tender meat, while large ones might be overcooked or injected with water.
• Color: The chicken meat should be fresh with a natural pink color. The skin should be a pale yellow, without bruises or blood spots. Avoid buying chickens with dark gray skin as they are not fresh.

Removing the Odor from Chicken Before Steaming

To ensure the chicken remains fragrant and odor-free after steaming, follow these steps:

• Clean the chicken and remove the oil gland at the tail.
• Prepare a diluted salt solution with vinegar or lemon juice, soak the chicken for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Chicken cleaned before steaming

Another way to remove the odor is to crush fresh ginger, mix it with rice wine, and rub it all over the chicken. Marinate for about 30-40 minutes, then rinse clean.

1. How to Make Lemongrass Salt-Steamed Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 free-range chicken (about 1-1.5kg)
• 600g coarse salt
• 10 lemongrass stalks, 2 ginger roots, 3 chili peppers, 100g kaffir lime leaves
• Aluminum foil, cast iron pot, or clay pot

Note: Choose a free-range chicken weighing about 1-1.5kg; the firmer meat will taste better when steamed.

Ingredients for lemongrass salt-steamed chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the chicken, rub it with salt, ginger, and white wine for about 5 minutes, then rinse with clean water and let it drain.
• Clean the lemongrass, ginger, chili peppers, and kaffir lime leaves. Crush some lemongrass and finely chop the rest. Cut the kaffir lime leaves in half. Peel and wash the ginger, then slice and finely chop it.
• Clean and dry the clay or cast iron pot.

Preparing the ingredients

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Mix the chopped lemongrass, ginger, chili peppers, finely chopped kaffir lime leaves, seasoning powder, and black pepper.
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for about 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Stuff the crushed lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger slices into the chicken cavity.

Marinating the chicken to absorb flavors

Step 3: Steam the Chicken

• Line the pot with aluminum foil, spread the coarse salt evenly on the bottom. Place the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves on top of the salt.
• Place the chicken on top of the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, then cover it with the remaining lemongrass and leaves.
• Cover the pot tightly, turn on the stove, and steam the chicken for about 20-30 minutes. Start with high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to low heat. Turn off the stove and let it sit for an additional 10 minutes.
• You can also use a rice cooker to steam the chicken: Spread a thick layer of coarse salt about 1.5-2cm deep, place lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves on top, then set the chicken on it. Cover and cook for about 30 minutes.

Note: Do not add water to steam the chicken. Avoid using finely ground or iodized salt.

Placing the chicken on lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves

Finished Product

• Cut the steamed chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve with lemon pepper salt or fish sauce.
• The salt-steamed chicken retains its natural sweetness, is tender, and fragrant with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.

Delicious and flavorful salt-steamed chicken