Ginger Scallion Chicken

Ginger scallion chicken reminds me of dad ❤️

Unlike mum and I, dad has a milder palate. He would go for dishes like this whereas Mum and I would order fiery, spicy stuff like curry fish and kung pow chicken. In fact, I used to think that ginger scallion chicken was boring!

Not anymore though.

I now appreciate the comforting flavours of simpler dishes such as this one. This classical Chinese dish relies on the harmonious balance between fragrant aromatics and the velvety, umami gravy that wraps the tender, lightly charred chunks of chicken. Some people add dark and light soya sauce during the cooking process, but I find that oyster sauce is good enough.

For a cook, this dish is a godsend because it’s so fast and simple to make. All you need is a wok.

Having made this quite a few times now, I’ve come up with a recipe I’m really happy with.

Here are the main ingredients for a kick-ass ginger scallion chicken

1) Chicken – The key is in the preparation of the chicken. First, choose chicken thigh as the fats will contribute marvellous flavour. Next, cut your chicken into thin slices so that you can sear them quickly in the wok without drying the chicken out. Finally, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and white pepper some time before cooking. If I have time, I do it up to several hours ahead. This gives the chicken enough time to absorb the flavours before cooking, which eliminates the need to use too much seasoning during the cooking process.

2) Aromatics – ginger, garlic and spring onions. The combination of these aromatics will contribute a wonderful aroma to your dish.

3) Sauce – As the chicken is already pre-marinated, the ONLY sauce I add during the cooking process is oyster sauce. Believe me, this is more than enough. I don’t even add salt!

4) Cornstarch – Adding a cornstarch solution at the end to thicken the gravy.

If you’re short of time, you can also add vegetables like bok choy, green pepper, mushrooms, or carrots and voila, you have a complete one-pan dish for dinner.

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this link.

Ginger Scallion Chicken

Infused with fragrant aromatics, the classic Chinese ginger scallion chicken is an evergreen favourite that goes perfectly with white rice.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Chinese

Equipment

• wok, chopping board

Ingredients

  

• 150g boneless chicken thigh meat
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 1/4 tsp sesame oil
• pinch of salt
• 2 stalks spring onions
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 4-5 slices ginger
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 100-150ml cup water
• Oil

Instructions

 

• Cut chicken into thin slices, roughly 1 inch long. Marinate in soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil and salt for at least 30 minutes.
• Cut green part of spring onions into match stick length. Chop up white part.
• Heat up 1-2 tbsp oil in wok over high heat. Add white bottom part of spring onion, ginger and garlic to infuse oil with flavour.
• When garlic starts to brown, add chicken pieces. Spread out in one layer and sear until lightly browned. Flip and sear the other side.
• Add oyster sauce and water. Start with 100ml first. Simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked. Add more water if you want it to be more saucy.
• Add cornflour mixture to thicken sauce.
• Add green part of spring onion. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Notes

Ginger Scallion Chicken - Quick FAQ

1. What is Ginger Scallion Chicken?

Ginger Scallion Chicken is a classic Chinese dish known for its balanced, comforting flavors. It features tender, lightly charred chicken pieces coated in a velvety, umami-rich gravy made from fragrant aromatics like ginger, garlic, and spring onions.

2. What is the best cut of meat for Ginger Scallion Chicken?

Chicken thigh is the best choice for this recipe. The higher fat content in dark meat provides a superior flavor and remains juicy and tender throughout the high-heat searing process, unlike leaner cuts like chicken breast.

3. How do you keep the chicken tender in a ginger scallion stir-fry?

To ensure the chicken stays moist, cut it into thin slices. This allows you to sear the meat quickly over high heat to achieve a nice char without overcooking the center and drying it out.

4. What should I use to marinate chicken for a Chinese stir-fry?

For the best flavor, marinate your chicken slices in a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Marinating for several hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, reducing the need for heavy seasoning during the actual cooking process.

5. What are the essential aromatics for Ginger Scallion Chicken?

The three essential aromatics that provide the dish's signature fragrance are fresh ginger, garlic, and spring onions (scallions). These ingredients create a savory base that defines the "classical" Chinese flavor profile.

6. Do I need soy sauce to make the gravy for Ginger Scallion Chicken?

While some recipes use both dark and light soy sauce, this version relies solely on oyster sauce for the gravy. Because the chicken is pre-marinated, oyster sauce provides enough depth, saltiness, and umami on its own.

7. How do you get a thick, velvety sauce in a chicken stir-fry?

To achieve a thick, glossy gravy that clings to the chicken, add a cornstarch solution (a mixture of cornstarch and water) at the final stage of cooking. This acts as a thickening agent for the pan juices and oyster sauce.

8. Is Ginger Scallion Chicken a fast meal to cook?

Yes, Ginger Scallion Chicken is a "cook’s godsend" because it is very fast and simple to prepare. Once the ingredients are prepped and marinated, the actual cooking is done quickly in a single wok.

9. Can I add vegetables to Ginger Scallion Chicken?

Absolutely. To make it a complete one-pan meal, you can easily add vegetables like bok choy, green peppers, mushrooms, or carrots during the stir-frying process.

10. Does Ginger Scallion Chicken need extra salt?

Generally, no extra salt is needed during the cooking process if the chicken has been properly marinated and oyster sauce is used. The combination of the marinade and the umami from the oyster sauce provides sufficient seasoning.

Keyword chicken