If you’re looking for something light, nourishing, and full of flavor, this Ginger Steamed Chicken is the perfect dish. It’s one of those meals we turn to when we want something comforting yet healthy. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, coated in a savory sauce, and finished with fragrant spring onion oil that takes it to the next level.
Even picky eaters who aren’t big fans of ginger often enjoy this dish once it’s mixed into warm rice with that delicious sauce spooned over the top.
Why This Dish Works
Steaming is a classic cooking technique in Chinese cuisine. It gently cooks the chicken over simmering water, locking in moisture and preserving natural flavors without needing heavy oils or frying. The result is soft, juicy meat that absorbs every bit of the marinade.
Ginger plays a starring role in this recipe. Beyond its warm, aromatic spice, ginger has long been valued in Chinese cooking for its potential health benefits. It contains compounds like gingerol, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger is often used to support digestion and add balance to dishes.
The Flavorful Sauce
The sauce in this dish is simple but deeply satisfying:
- Light soy sauce adds savory depth.
- Oyster sauce brings rich umami flavor.
- Salt, sugar, and pepper create balance.
- Corn flour (cornstarch) thickens the sauce slightly so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
As the chicken steams, the marinade transforms into a silky, flavorful sauce that coats every bite.
The Star Topping: Spring Onion Oil
What truly elevates this dish is the scallion oil topping.
Freshly chopped spring onions are seasoned and then hit with sizzling hot oil. The heat releases their aroma instantly, softening them slightly while keeping a bit of texture. A touch of sesame oil adds a nutty finish.
When spooned over the freshly steamed chicken, the result is fragrant, savory, and irresistible.
Ginger Steamed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 750 g boneless chicken thighs
- Ginger slices
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp corn flour
Spring Onion Oil Topping
- 4 spring onions, finely diced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp seasoning
- 3 tbsp hot cooking oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
Combine chicken thighs with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, corn flour, and ginger slices.
Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb. - Prepare the Topping
Place diced spring onions in a heatproof bowl. Add salt and seasoning.
Heat the cooking oil until very hot, then carefully pour it over the spring onions to create a sizzling effect.
Stir in sesame oil and mix well. - Steam the Chicken
Arrange the marinated chicken on a heatproof plate.
Steam over high heat for about 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and tender. - Finish and Serve
Spoon the spring onion oil over the hot steamed chicken.
Serve immediately with steamed rice and enjoy.
This Ginger Steamed Chicken is simple, nourishing, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s proof that healthy cooking can still be incredibly delicious.