Seem like the ‘notorious’ summer in Shanghai is drawing near.
Rising temperature and damp air combined translate to an unusual and sensual feeling on your skin, as if the air bears weight. I only want to cook something that’s easy, flavorful, and refreshing at the same time. This shredded chicken dish will definitely become one of my fav summer dishes:Â succulent chicken in spicy sour sauce packed with umami, fruity notes. Adding fresh fruits makes the humble ingredient more unique. You won’t regret trying it!
For the spicy sour sauce
- 2-3tsp vegetable oil
- 3 Bird Eye’s Chili
- 1/2 tsb black pepper crushed
- 3 cloves garlicÂ
- white part of 1 scallion
- 1/2tbs Seasoned Soy Sauce for Seafood
- 1/2 tbs rice vinegar
- 1tsb white sesame
- 1 lemon
- 1-2passion fruit
- optional: roasted peanut, celery
- Place 3-4 chicken drumsticks in a pot, submerge chicken in water. Add 1-2 scallion and 1/2 tbs cooking wine. Cook over medium heat until chicken is fully cooked, about 20 min.
- Place cooked chicken in ice water. You can preserve the chicken stock for cooking other dishes, it’s packed with flavors.
- Place chopped chilli pepper, garlic, scallion, white sesame and crushed black pepper in a bowl, pout in oil that’s heated till very hot.
- Combine with seasoned soy sauce, vinegar, juice of 1 lemon and 1 passion fruit. Taste and adjust according to your preferences. Do not discard lemon, cut it into slices and combine with the sauce.
- Combine shredded chicken, sliced celery with the sauce. Finally, add crushed peanuts and a drizzle of sesame oil.
The chicken, having been soaked in ice water, turns out tender and pleasantly bouncy. A splash of hot oil releases the spicy aromas of chili, garlic, and pepper, while the natural sweetness of fruit enhances the umami and balances the heat. This healthy cold dish is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying — just a short marination is enough for it to become delicious and deeply flavorful.
It’s best to enjoy it the same day it’s made, as the lemon zest in the sauce may develop a slight bitterness if left for too long.
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