Summary
Taiwanese fried chicken (Chinese: 鹹酥雞; pinyin: xiánsūjī; Wade–Giles: hsien²su¹chi¹; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: kiâm-so͘-ke;[1] also 鹽酥雞; yánsūjī; 'salty crispy chicken'), westernized as popcorn chicken, is a dish in Taiwanese cuisine commonly found as a street snack and in the night markets in Taiwan. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken, coated and fried with flour and seasoning mixture. Salt and pepper is the staple condiment, while chili powder, lightly fried basil leaves, and garlic bits are added for preference. Since the creation of this dish, it has become a popular fast food or restaurant appetizer in other countries in Asia, as well as among Asian immigrant populations overseas.
 A plate of homemade Taiwanese fried chicken in California | |
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Chicken and condiment |
| |
Origins edit
Taiwanese fried chicken is famous for its taste and texture and for its high status in the street food space. It then rapidly became prevalent in the street and night markets.
Traditional preparation edit
In general, only diced chicken leg or thigh meat is used and is marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic spread, rice wine, and five-spice powder for at least an hour. After marinating, chicken is dipped in beaten egg and then dredged in flour or sweet potato starch. Oil needs to be heated to 180 degrees (C) and when the oil is hot, the chicken can be added. It is deep fried until the surface color turns soft yellow and then it is ready to serve. Traditionally, after the chicken is fried, more pepper is added before eating.
In America edit
Taiwanese fried chicken is popular in the United States.[2]
See also edit
Notes edit
- ^ "Entry #13104 (鹹酥雞)". 臺灣閩南語常用詞辭典 [Dictionary of Frequently-Used Taiwan Minnan]. (in Chinese and Hokkien). Ministry of Education, R.O.C. 2011.
- ^ Erway, Cathy (28 June 2022). "Taiwanese Fried Chicken Meets the Moment". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 July 2022.
References edit
- Jennings, R. (n.d.). Where to find the best Taiwanese food in Taipei. Retrieved 23 March 2016, from http://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1612070/where-find-best-taiwanese-food-taipei
- Taiwanese fried chicken brand establishes foothold in Hong Kong. (2013, November 20). Retrieved 24 March 2016, from https://web.archive.org/web/20151231121035/http://www1.investhk.gov.hk/news-item/taiwanese-fried-chicken-brand-establishes-foothold-in-hong-kong/
- 宋博士香雞排大賣 計畫開第2分店. (２０１３, May ７). Retrieved 23 March 2016, from https://news.housefun.com.tw/news/article/20046630649.html
- 豪大大雞排 藉加盟店速擴張. (2015, May 25). Retrieved 23 March 2016, from http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/financeestate/art/20150525/19159040
- I. (2015, February 2). Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken | Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Eat the Love. Retrieved 23 March 2016, from http://www.eatthelove.com/2015/02/taiwanese-popcorn-chicken/
- M. H. (2014, June 20). Fried Foods May Cause Type-2 Diabetes and Heart Disease. Retrieved 24 March 2016, from http://time.com/2907248/fried-food-linked-to-diabetes-and-heart-disease-with-an-asterisk/
- Malaysia, R. (2009, October 21). Salt and Pepper Chicken Recipe | Easy Delicious Recipes: Rasa Malaysia. Retrieved 23 March 2016, from http://rasamalaysia.com/salt-and-pepper-chicken-recipe/
- JJ.LYMM ( 2013, April 3).How to Cook Fried Chicken Steak 大雞排 Taiwanese Style Retrieved 23 March 2016, from http://taiwanduck.com/how-to-cook-fried-chicken-steak-taiwanese-style/