Growing up in a Thai-American household, one of my favorite food memories is watching my mom prepare Hainanese chicken rice. She would poach a whole chicken, using the flavorful broth to cook rice seasoned with garlic and cilantro. Served with a sweet soy drizzle, spicy ginger-garlic sauce, fresh cucumbers, scallions, and broth, this dish was a true delight.
Over time, my mom’s recipe evolved to include a shortcut using a Costco rotisserie chicken, which brings a rich flavor to the rice. Mixing the chicken fat with jasmine rice, chicken broth, and aromatics, she creates a quick and delicious version of the traditional dish. Here’s how you can make your own shortcut Hainanese chicken rice at home.
What is Hainanese Chicken Rice?
Originating from Hainan, an island in China, Hainanese chicken rice is a beloved dish in Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Typically featuring chicken slices, chicken broth-infused rice, cucumbers, and various sauces, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors.
To make my mom’s shortcut Hainanese chicken rice, you’ll need a Costco rotisserie chicken, jasmine rice, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and optional ingredients like cilantro and garlic. Serve with store-bought sweet soy sauce and homemade ginger-garlic or ginger-scallion dipping sauces.
How to Make Mom’s Shortcut Hainanese Chicken Rice at Home
If you’re short on time or ingredients, you can skip making the sauces. However, Ma’s garlic-ginger sauce adds a wonderful touch to the dish, complementing the savory rice and chicken flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
– 1 Costco rotisserie chicken
– 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 10 cilantro stems
– 5-10 cloves of garlic, crushed (optional)
– Chopped cilantro
– Sliced cucumber
For ginger-garlic sauce:
– 10 cilantro stems
– 5 cloves garlic
– 3 Thai chiles
– 2 tbsp minced or grated ginger
– 1/2 tbsp Thai soybean paste or miso paste
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp black soy sauce or hoisin sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp sugar
– Pinch of salt
For garlic-scallion sauce:
– 1/4 cup sliced scallions
– 1 tbsp minced ginger
– 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as peanut or grapeseed)
Directions:
1. Place jasmine rice in your rice cooker and add about 3 tbsp of chicken fat from the rotisserie chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and salt
Here is the rewritten text:
It is a truly effortless method to enhance the dish with flavors of garlic and subtle nuttiness. For my mom’s zesty, savory sauce, utilize your food processor to blend all the components for the ginger-garlic sauce. Additionally, if you wish to prepare a ginger-scallion sauce, place the chopped scallions and minced ginger in a medium heat-resistant bowl; heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers; then cautiously pour the hot liquid over the ginger and scallions. Slice the chicken and present it alongside the rice accompanied by your preferred sauces. I personally enjoy garnishing with some fresh cilantro and savoring it all with slices of crisp cucumber. For more recipe ideas, check out 7 Rotisserie Chicken Dinners for Every Night of the Week. Find the original article on ALLRECIPES.
