Red fried chicken: A delicious dish

Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food all over the world. But what if there was a way to make it even more delicious and unique? That's where red fried chicken comes in.

Red fried chicken is a dish that originated in China. It is made by coating chicken pieces in a batter that contains red food coloring. The chicken is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

The red color of the chicken comes from the red food coloring in the batter. However, the red food coloring also serves another purpose. It helps to seal in the moisture of the chicken, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful dish.

Red fried chicken is typically served with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. It can also be served with other traditional Chinese sides, such as rice, noodles, and vegetables.

History of Red Fried Chicken

The exact origins of red fried chicken are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in China. Some sources say that it was first created in the province of Sichuan, while others say that it originated in the province of Guangdong.

Whatever its origins, red fried chicken quickly became a popular dish in China. It is now enjoyed all over the country, and it is also popular in other parts of Asia, such as Japan and Korea.

How to make red fried chicken

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coating

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Marinating the Chicken
• In a bowl, combine red chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. This will be your spice mix.
• Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
• Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
• Pour buttermilk over the spiced chicken, seal the bag (or cover the dish), and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. This allows the flavors to meld and tenderize the chicken.
2. Preparing the Coating
• In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Frying the Chicken
• In a heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
• While the oil is heating, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, skin-side down. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry in batches.
• Fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Here are a few specific variations on red fried chicken:

·         Sichuan red fried chicken: This version of red fried chicken is made with a spicier batter. It is often served with a dipping sauce of Sichuan chili oil and sesame paste.

·         Korean red fried chicken: This version of red fried chicken is made with a soy sauce-based batter. It is often served with a dipping sauce of gochujang, a Korean chili paste.

·         Japanese karaage: This version of red fried chicken is made with a light batter and is often seasoned with Japanese spices, such as shichimi togarashi.

Red fried chicken around the world

Red fried chicken is now enjoyed all over the world. It is popular in many Asian countries, as well as in the United States and Europe.

In the United States, red fried chicken is often served in Chinese restaurants. It is also becoming increasingly popular in fast-food restaurants.

In Europe, red fried chicken is often served in Thai and Vietnamese restaurants. It is also becoming increasingly popular in fusion restaurants.

Conclusion

Red fried chicken is a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy fried chicken, be sure to give red fried chicken a try.

Red fried chicken is a great way to add color and excitement to your meal. Red fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. It is also a great dish to serve at parties or potlucks.

If you are looking for a delicious and unique fried chicken dish, red fried chicken is the perfect choice for you. Accompany it with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 mins

Servings: 4-5

Author: Asma Rasool