Soy Sauce Chicken

800g boneless, skinless chicken thighs

20g ginger, roughly bashed and sliced

4 spring onions, cut into large pieces

2 star anise

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

150ml chicken stock

The Sauce

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine

2 tablespoons sugar

PREPARATION

COOKING

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-based wok over a high heat until just smoking.

2. Add the chicken thighs and sear without moving them until deeply golden, then turn and brown the other side.

3. Push the chicken to one side of the wok and add the ginger and spring onions to the rendered fat.

4. Add the star anise and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.

5. Return the chicken to the centre of the wok.

6. Pour in the dark soy sauce and sprinkle over the sugar, allowing both to caramelise around the chicken.

7. Once the sauce becomes sticky and bubbling, add the light soy sauce.

8. Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine and stir to loosen the caramelised sauce.

9. Add the chicken stock and bring everything to a vigorous boil.

10. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

11. Continue cooking until the sauce has reduced to a glossy glaze coating the chicken.

12. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and spoon over the remaining sauce.

School of Wok Tips

 Leave the chicken undisturbed while searing to develop a rich golden crust.

 Caramelising the dark soy sauce with the sugar first creates the dish's signature colour and glaze.

 A heavy-based wok or pan retains heat well and helps the sauce reduce evenly.

 If you prefer not to use Shaoxing wine, replace it with extra chicken stock.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken is the traditional choice, but increase the cooking time until fully cooked.

What is the difference between dark and light soy sauce?

Dark soy provides colour and sweetness, while light soy adds the main savoury seasoning.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well, and the flavour becomes even richer the next day.