Ginseng Flavored Crispy Chicken Drumettes
SamSam (蔘蔘) Ginseng Chicken Drumettes Finger Food
Introducing ‘SamSam (蔘蔘) Ginseng Chicken Drumettes Finger Food’, a delightful twist on the nation’s favorite snack, chicken, enhanced with the goodness of Korean ginseng. We prepare chicken drumettes by carefully shaping them into a round, drumstick-like form. Then, we create a crispy coating by mixing finely grated ginseng with frying powder. These are then fried to a perfect golden crisp. To complement the chicken, a sweet ginseng-apple sauce is served alongside. This dish effectively eliminates any gamey odor from the chicken thanks to the incorporated ginseng in the batter. The ginseng-apple sauce, made with ingredients like apples and honey that pair wonderfully with ginseng, balances the ginseng’s natural bitterness with sweetness and its pleasant aroma, ensuring everyone can enjoy this healthy and delicious ginseng chicken dish.
Main Ingredients- 3 roots of fresh ginseng
- 5-6 chicken drumsticks
- A pinch of herb salt
- A dash of cooking wine (mirin or sake)
- 100g frying powder
- 5-6 sheets of rice paper
- ½ apple
- 100ml red wine
- 100ml water
- 7 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by gently scrubbing the 3 ginseng roots with a brush under running water to remove any soil. Rinse and pat them dry.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the 5-6 chicken drumsticks under cold running water to clean them. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 3
Now, let’s shape the chicken drumsticks into drumette forms. Make 2-3 lengthwise cuts on the drumstick flesh, starting from the bottom towards the bone. Then, using the back of a knife or a spoon, gently scrape the flesh down from the bone, pushing it towards the bottom. This will gather the chicken meat around the top of the bone, creating a rounded, drumstick-like shape. Pack it firmly.
Step 4
Season the shaped chicken drumettes. Sprinkle generously with herb salt and coat evenly with cooking wine. Let them marinate for about 10 minutes to tenderize and remove any gamey smell.
Step 5
Trim off the root end (the part that was in the soil) of the 3 washed ginseng roots with a knife.
Step 6
Grate or finely mince the 3 ginseng roots until they form a pulp. This will help release their fragrant essence into the dish.
Step 7
If some parts of the ginseng are too tough to grate, finely chop them. This ensures they blend well into the batter.
Step 8
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the grated ginseng for the chicken coating. The remaining ginseng will be used for the ginseng-apple sauce. Pre-measuring helps streamline the cooking process.
Step 9
Let’s prepare the crispy coating. In a bowl, combine 100g of frying powder with the 2 tablespoons of grated ginseng. Mix well until there are no clumps, allowing the ginseng’s aroma to infuse the powder.
Step 10
Coat the marinated chicken drumettes evenly with the ginseng-infused frying powder. Gently press the powder onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
Step 11
Next, we’ll create a batter to coat the chicken drumettes for an extra crispy layer. To the leftover ginseng frying powder mixture, gradually add water, stirring to form a batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken but flow slowly off a spoon – about the consistency of thin pancake batter. Adjust the water or powder as needed.
Step 12
It’s time to fry the chicken drumettes! Heat oil in a pot to 170°C (338°F). Carefully place the coated chicken drumettes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crisp. For extra crispiness, fry them once, remove them to drain briefly, then re-fry at a slightly higher temperature of 180°C (356°F).
Step 13
Voila! Your wonderfully crispy chicken drumettes are ready. They look golden and incredibly appetizing.
Step 14
Now, let’s make the ‘Ginseng Apple Sauce’ to elevate the flavor of the chicken. Finely dice ½ apple, removing the core.
Step 15
In a saucepan, combine 100ml water, 100ml red wine, 7 Tbsp honey, 2 Tbsp sugar, the remaining grated ginseng, and the diced apple. Bring to a boil over high heat with the lid on. Be mindful of the heat to prevent boiling over.
Step 16
Once the mixture is bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, lower the heat to low, add a pinch of cinnamon powder and salt, and simmer for another 5 minutes to deepen the taste.
Step 17
Thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Prepare a slurry by mixing 2 parts cornstarch with 2 parts water. Gradually stir this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches a thick, dipping consistency, similar to a glaze.
Step 18
Your sweet and fragrant ginseng apple sauce is complete! Allow it to cool completely before serving. Cooling helps the flavors develop and intensifies the sauce’s taste.
Step 19
Cut the rice paper sheets into quarters. Layer two pieces of cut rice paper on top of each other and briefly fry them in hot oil until puffed and crispy. These will serve as decorative, edible bowls.
Step 20
Arrange the fried rice paper ‘bowls’ attractively on a serving plate, like flower petals. Generously fill the center of each rice paper bowl with the cooled ginseng apple sauce.
Step 21
Place the crispy fried chicken drumettes one by one into the rice paper bowls. Drizzle a little extra ginseng apple sauce over each chicken drumette for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 22
Your healthy ginseng chicken dish is ready! It boasts a delicious sweet and savory flavor with a delightful crispy texture, all infused with the unique essence of ginseng.
Step 23
Enjoy your warm, crispy chicken drumettes by dipping them generously into the homemade ginseng apple sauce! It’s a truly special culinary experience that perfectly balances health and taste. ^^
