Braised Chicken Mushroom (红烧鸡枞) is one of Kunming’s traditional delicacies, renowned for the delicious taste of the chicken mushroom and the unique flavor of the braising method. Chicken mushrooms, a specialty of Yunnan, are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them highly nutritious. Though the preparation process of braised chicken mushroom is intricate, each step reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and the Kunming people’s love for food and zest for life.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Mushroom: The primary ingredient, chicken mushrooms, are celebrated for their savory taste and nutritional value. They are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which offer significant health benefits.
- Seasonings: The seasonings include green onions, ginger, star anise, rice wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, salt, and MSG, all of which contribute to the dish’s distinctive flavor.
Preparation Process
The preparation of braised chicken mushroom is relatively complex, with each step being crucial:
- Ingredient Preparation: Clean the chicken mushrooms thoroughly and cut them into appropriate-sized pieces. Slice the green onions and ginger, and prepare the other seasonings.
- Sautéing Aromatics: Heat a suitable amount of oil in a pan, then add the sliced green onions, ginger, and star anise. Sauté over low heat until the aromatics release their fragrance.
- Preparing Braising Sauce: Add equal parts light soy sauce and dark soy sauce along the edges of the pan to enhance the sauce’s brightness and eliminate the raw taste of the soy sauce.
- Simmering the Chicken Mushrooms: Place the cut chicken mushrooms into the pan, add a suitable amount of water or broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce to low heat and simmer. Adjust the flavor with rock sugar and salt according to personal preference during the simmering process.
- Thickening the Sauce and Plating: Once the sauce becomes thick, increase the heat to reduce the sauce to the desired consistency, then plate the dish. The braised chicken mushroom should have a glossy, red hue, rich sauce, and a savory taste.
Taste and Flavor
Braised Chicken Mushroom offers a tender and savory taste. The delicate texture of the chicken mushrooms blends harmoniously with the rich braising sauce, creating a unique flavor. Each bite allows you to savor the freshness of the chicken mushrooms and the distinctive braised taste, leaving a lasting impression. Additionally, braised chicken mushrooms provide essential nutrients and can enhance the immune system, making it a nutritious choice as well as a delicious one.