Umami GuruRecipes

Háo yóu jī (蚝油鸡)

China

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Hao You Ji illustration, Chinese cuisine, Studio Ghibli inspired art

A simple and aromatic Chinese dish. Chicken thighs fried with garlic and ginger, simmered in a sauce made of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine, resulting in a rich flavor. Served with fragrant green onion.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Ghibli-style illustration of Hao You Ji Chinese dish preparation

    Heat vegetable oil in a pan, add chicken thighs, garlic cloves and ginger slices. Sauté over medium heat until both sides of the chicken turn lightly golden.

  2. Hao You Ji Chinese dish, anime illustration of cooking process

    Combine oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, light and dark soy sauces, sugar, ground white pepper with hot water. Pour the mixture into the pan and, if desired, add dried chili.

  3. Ghibli-style anime illustration of preparing Hao You Ji chicken

    Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Then flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 10 minutes.

  4. Hao You Ji Chinese dish, anime illustration of cooking process

    Remove the lid, increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a vigorous boil until it thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

  5. Ghibli-style illustration of Chinese chicken recipe step

    Garnish the cooked chicken with finely chopped green onion and serve immediately.

FAQ

What is Háo yóu jī (蚝油鸡)?

Háo yóu jī is a traditional Chinese dish featuring chicken thighs cooked in a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine, often with ginger and garlic.

Can I substitute Shaoxing rice wine in this recipe?

While Shaoxing rice wine offers a unique flavor, a dry sherry or even chicken broth with a dash of rice vinegar can be used as a substitute in a pinch, though the taste will vary slightly.

What should I serve with Háo yóu jī?

Háo yóu jī is delicious served with steamed white rice to soak up the rich sauce, or alongside some stir-fried green vegetables like bok choy or broccoli.

How long does Háo yóu jī take to cook?

This Háo yóu jī recipe takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

Is this dish spicy?

Our Háo yóu jī recipe includes dried chili for a hint of warmth, but you can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.