Are you tired of the familiar taste of chicken adobo, seeking to experiment with something new yet still satisfying to the taste buds? Then look no further than chicken estofado! This delectable dish is a pinnacle of ease and variability, making it a great option for hectic weeknights, dinners, and even informal gatherings like potlucks and picnics.
The essential components, soy sauce and brown sugar, are skilfully mixed to craft a flavorsome glaze that gives the succulent chicken a special sweetness that is rooted in Asian cuisine. The exceptional quality of this dish lies in its capability to evoke an unrivaled flavor experience. A side of rice and vegetables or as a filling in tacos or burritos, the dish never ceases to amaze.
Unraveling the Unrivaled Flavor
What sets it apart from other chicken dishes is its exceptional flavor profile. The key ingredients, soy sauce, and brown sugar, are combined to create a mouthwatering glaze that imparts a delightful sweetness to the succulent chicken. This perfect harmony of flavors is what makes the dish a standout option for any meal. The marriage of savory and sweet, accompanied by a subtle hint of aromatic spices, will take your taste buds on a delightful journey that you won’t soon forget.
Versatility at Its Best
One of the best things about this estofado is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice and vegetables or using it as a filling for tacos or burritos, this dish never fails to impress. Its ability to adapt to different cuisines and meal settings makes it a top choice for various occasions. From family gatherings to casual lunches with friends, the dish fits right in and leaves everyone craving for more.
The Ease of Cooking Chicken Estofado
You might think that a dish with such remarkable flavors would require a lot of effort and time, but that’s not the case with this estofado. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delectable meal ready to enjoy in no time.
Step by Step Procedure
First, sauté the garlic and onions until fragrant and tender in a medium-sized non-stick wok or carajay. Next, add the chicken pieces and stir-cook until they turn light brown, sealing in all the flavors. Then, introduce the star anise, bay leaf, brown sugar, pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water, creating the signature taste of this tasty estofado. Let the chicken simmer until fully cooked, and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving behind a deliciously thick sauce. Be sure to stir the chicken occasionally to prevent it from burning. Finally, turn off the heat and serve the estofado while it’s still hot, garnishing it with chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness and color.
Wrap-up
Chicken estofado is a delightful and flavorful dish that should find a place in your culinary repertoire. Its unique blend of Asian-inspired flavors, coupled with its ease of preparation, makes it a standout option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or seeking a comforting meal for a family night in, this dish is the answer.
NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS:
Raw Chicken – Shopping for raw chicken requires you to pick fresh, high-quality cuts that have been stored at the right temperature. The color should be a pale pink, and the texture should be firm and smooth. If it looks slimy or has an off odor, then avoid it as it is likely not fresh. To make sure harmful bacteria is killed off, make sure you cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F and follow safe food handling practices when preparing. Raw chicken has many versatile uses across different cuisines and can come in the form of boneless breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks.
Oyster sauce is a must-have in Asian cuisine, made from oysters, soy sauce, sugar, and various seasonings. It offers a delicious and savory taste to your dishes that makes it a great addition to marinades, sauces, and stir-fries. When selecting oyster sauce, be sure to pick an excellent quality brand with more of the oyster extract. Many versions are quite salty so make sure you sample it and modify seasoning as needed. Make sure you store it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and consume within 6 months of opening. This versatile condiment can be used to enhance simple ingredients into something scrumptious; adding depth to your meals!
How To Make Chicken Estofado (Estofadong Manok)
Ingredients
- 1 kilo chicken cut into serving pieces
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 1/8 cup oyster sauce or Hoisin sauce
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. brown sugar or muscovado sugar
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 2 pieces star anise whole
- 1 tsp. ground pepper
- 2 pieces red onion chopped
- 1 piece bay leaf or laurel leaf
- 1 & 1/2 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. cooking oil
Instructions
How To Make Chicken Estofado:
- In a medium size non-stick wok or carajay heat cooking oil and saute garlic until fragrant.
- Add in the onions and saute until tender. Then add the chicken pieces and stir cook until the chicken turns light brown.
- Put in the star anise, bay leaf, brown sugar, pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce and water.
- Simmer the chicken until cooked and almost of the liquid has evaporated and the sauce is thick.
- Be careful not to burn the chicken by stirring it constantly.
- Turn off heat and serve hot. You can also garnish it with chopped green onion.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips of Chicken Estofado:
- Marinate for Enhanced Flavor: Before cooking, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and your preferred spices for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat, resulting in a more delicious and flavorful estofado.
- Simmer Slowly on Low Heat: To achieve tender and succulent chicken, simmer the dish slowly on low heat rather than rushing the cooking process. This allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and ensures that the glaze thickens to perfection.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: While the traditional recipe calls for a balance of sweet and savory flavors, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences. Add more or less sugar to achieve the perfect level of sweetness that pleases your palate.
Your chicken estofado looks delicious! I try to cook this for dinner tomorrow. Thanks!
Hi Aiza, good luck on your cooking and I hope it turns out well!