Broadly speaking, the ingredients that are commonly used in Guangdong-style shredded chicken include chicken, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, salt and pepper.
Here are some more specific points regarding each of these ingredients:
1. Chicken: The chicken is typically boiled before it is shredded. To ensure maximum flavor, it is generally best to use a free-range or organic chicken rather than a conventional one.
2. Ginger: Fresh ginger is essential for adding depth and fragrance to the dish. It should be peeled and sliced thinly before being added to the pot.
3. Soy sauce: A good quality soy sauce provides a rich umami flavor to the dish. Dark soy sauce is generally preferred, although light soy sauce can also be used.
4. Oyster sauce: This adds a sweet, sticky texture to the dish that helps the chicken shreds to stick together.
5. Shaoxing wine: This is a cooking wine with a strong flavor that serves to draw out the other flavors in the dish. If unavailable, dry sherry can be used as a substitute.
6. Sesame oil: This is a finishing oil that adds a nutty aroma to the dish. It should be added at the end of cooking rather than being cooked with the other ingredients.
7. Sugar: A small amount of sugar can help to balance out the savory flavors and give the sauce a slightly caramelized taste.
8. Salt and pepper: These are simple seasonings that should be added to taste based on personal preference.
By combining these ingredients in the correct proportions, you can create a delicious and authentic version of Guangdong-style shredded chicken.
