Phoenix and Dragon is an elegant Chinese banquet dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The “Phoenix” refers to the chicken breast, while the “Dragon” represents the ham slices. By wrapping the chicken and ham in delicate caul fat and deep-frying, you achieve a crispy exterior that protects the moist, tender meat inside. Served with a glossy, aromatic sauce of bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and scallions, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and rich umami flavors. It is an impressive centerpiece for special occasions or a luxurious treat for a weekend dinner.
Phoenix & Dragon
Description
Phoenix and Dragon is an elegant Chinese banquet dish that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. The "Phoenix" refers to the chicken breast, while the "Dragon" represents the ham slices. By wrapping the chicken and ham in delicate caul fat and deep-frying, you achieve a crispy exterior that protects the moist, tender meat inside. Served with a glossy, aromatic sauce of bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and scallions, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and rich umami flavors. It is an impressive centerpiece for special occasions or a luxurious treat for a weekend dinner.Ingredients
Directions
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Butterfly the chicken breasts to create thin, flat pieces, approximately 1 lb in total weight.
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Place 2 slices of Smithfield ham on one side of each butterflied chicken breast and fold the breast over to enclose the ham.
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Lay each chicken roll on a sheet of fresh caul fat and roll it up tightly; the sticky caul fat will seal itself without additional binding.
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Dust the rolled chicken with water chestnut powder, flour, or cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
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Heat peanut oil in a wok to 350&# 194;°F (177ðC) (moderate heat) for deep-frying.
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Slide the chicken rolls into the hot oil one by one and fry for about 5 minutes until browned.
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Press a roll gently; if it feels mushy, continue frying until firm. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Slice the cooked chicken rolls crosswise diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces.
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In a clean wok, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil and sauté 2 crushed garlic cloves and 2 slices of fresh ginger root.
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Remove the garlic and ginger, then add sliced bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and scallions to the wok.
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Stir-fry the vegetables for 30 seconds, then add light soy sauce, Chinese rice wine or dry sherry, and chicken broth.
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Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of cold chicken broth to thicken the sauce.
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Spread the vegetable sauce on a platter as a bed and arrange the sliced chicken breast on top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 244.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5.4g9%
- Saturated Fat 1.6g8%
- Cholesterol 79.9mg27%
- Sodium 1378.8mg58%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.6g3%
- Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
- Sugars 3.9g
- Protein 39.5g79%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.