The chicken rice chef at 5 star.
One of our national dishes is chicken rice. On our Sunset street eats tour (Katong evening tour) we visit 5 star chicken rice. 5 star is one of the most famous chicken rice shops in Singapore. People travel from across the island to get their fix and it’s always a favourite on the tour. So as many of you are still in lockdown or choosing to stay home, here’s a way you can try and replicate the dish.
How to cook the perfect chicken rice.
First you’ll need one whole free range chicken. In Singapore we use Kampong chickens. They aren’t exactly free range but they’re happier than factory chickens that’s for sure.
Rub the chicken with salt both inside and out. This gets rid of any loose skin. Now rinse in cold water. If the chicken has any excess fat cut it off and keep it for later.
Now stuff the empty chicken with ginger and shallots.
Place the chicken in a large pot so that it is completely covered with water. Bring the water to the boil and then reduce it to a low slow simmer. After 30 minutes of poaching take the chicken out of the stock and let it rest in an ice bath.
In the meantime in a hot wok add the chicken fat, garlic, ginger and salt and fry until the aromas fill your kitchen. About 5 minutes.
In a rice cooker put in your rice and use the chicken stock as the cooking broth. If you have a pandan leaf you can also add this to the mix.
How to make the all important condiments
Remember that chilli sauce you had at 5 star chicken rice? Well combine the below in a small bowl and stir through
2 tablespoons sambal
2 tablespoons sriracha
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons reserved chicken poaching broth
And the ginger. Same, just put together in a bowl.
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced
kosher salt, to taste
3 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Now slice up that chicken and enjoy.
A few weeks ago we paired chicken rice with a nice Pinot Noir, maybe try this. If alcohol is not for you then try and get hold of a good lime juice and serve it with plenty of ice.
We hope you enjoy giving this a try. We know it’s not as good as being on a Singapore food tour with us but for now it will at least get you trying a new recipe.
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