Har cheong gai

Har Cheong Gai

Har cheong gai (also known as shrimp paste chicken) is a popular Chinese dish that originated from Hong Kong. It is particularly well-loved in Singapore and Malaysia, where it is commonly found in zi char stalls and hawker centres. The dish is characterized by its distinctive flavor, which comes from the use of fermented shrimp paste in the marinade.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients for har cheong gai include:

• Chicken wings or drumettes
• Shrimp paste
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Rice wine
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation

The preparation of har cheong gai involves marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. The marination process typically lasts for several hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

After marination, the chicken is deep-fried until it achieves a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The result is a dish that is both savory and aromatic, with a unique umami flavor imparted by the shrimp paste.

Serving

Har cheong gai is often served as an appetizer or a main dish. It is commonly accompanied by a dipping sauce, which may include chili sauce, lime juice, or a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. The dish is typically garnished with fresh coriander or spring onions.

Cultural Significance

In Singapore and Malaysia, har cheong gai is a staple in many local eateries and is a favorite among both locals and tourists. It is often enjoyed as part of a larger meal, alongside other popular dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, and laksa.

Related Pages

• Chinese cuisine
• Singaporean cuisine
• Malaysian cuisine
• Zi char
• Hawker centre
• Deep frying
• Shrimp paste