Chinese cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and intricate cooking techniques. One dish that stands out is Peking duck, a beloved Chinese delicacy. However, making traditional Peking duck can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. That's where smoked chicken Peking style comes in. This dish takes inspiration from Peking duck but offers a simpler and easier approach, making it perfect for home cooks.
What is Peking Style?
Cooking in China is considered an art form, with dishes designed to delight all the senses. Peking style, also known as Beijing style, is a Mandarin cooking style that is characterized by its light, elegant flavors and the generous use of garlic and scallions. It is known for its visually appealing presentation, enticing aroma, and delicious taste.
Chinese cuisine can be broadly categorized into three main styles: Mandarin (Northern Chinese), Szechwan (Central Chinese), and Cantonese (Southern Chinese). Each style has its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Mandarin style, or Peking style, is known for its mild taste and the use of garlic and scallions to enhance the flavors of the dish.
How is Smoked Chicken Peking Style Made?
Smoked chicken Peking style is a simplified version of the traditional Peking duck. While Peking duck requires a lengthy preparation process, smoked chicken Peking style offers a quicker and easier alternative. The result is a delicious and flavorful chicken dish that captures the essence of Peking duck.
To make smoked chicken Peking style, start by rubbing vegetable oil on the outside of the chicken and between the skin and flesh. This helps to crisp up the skin as it roasts. Next, prepare a dry brine mixture using dark brown sugar, kosher salt, and five-spice powder. Coat the chicken with this mixture, allowing it to infuse with the flavors for a few hours or overnight.
Once the chicken is ready, smoke it using your preferred method. This could be using a smoker, a charcoal grill with wood chips, or even a stovetop smoker. The smoking process adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.
Once the chicken is fully cooked and has a beautifully golden and crispy skin, it is ready to be served. Traditionally, Peking duck is served with Chinese pancakes, sliced scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. You can recreate this experience by serving the smoked chicken Peking style with Chinese pancakes and accompanying condiments.
If you can't find Chinese pancakes, you can use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps as a substitute. While they may not offer the exact same experience as Chinese pancakes, they will still provide a delicious vessel for enjoying the flavorful smoked chicken.
Smoked chicken Peking style is a fantastic alternative to the traditional Peking duck. It offers a simplified and easier approach, making it accessible for home cooks. By smoking the chicken and incorporating the flavors of Peking style cooking, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful chicken dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to a special meal, smoked chicken Peking style is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and experience the delightful flavors of Chinese cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
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