David Chang, the culinary maverick, has a knack for elevating humble ingredients to extraordinary heights. One such ingredient, often overlooked, is the chicken neck. While it might seem unconventional, it’s a canvas for culinary creativity, offering a rich, collagen-packed bite. Inspired by Chang’s innovative approach, we’ve crafted a dish that marries the bold flavors of Asian cuisine with the comforting warmth of Western comfort food.
Ingredients:
10 chicken necks, cleaned and trimmed
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Preparation Process:
1. Marinate the Chicken Necks: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken necks, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Batter: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken Necks: Dredge each marinated chicken neck in the flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
4. Fry the Chicken Necks: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the breaded chicken necks in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour, water, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
6. Assemble the Dish: Toss the fried chicken necks in the thickened sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken necks and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Total Time Required: 1 hour 30 minutes
Image Source: foodnouveau.com
Serving Ideas:
Asian Fusion Feast: Pair with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a side of kimchi.
A Culinary Odyssey
Image Source: foodnouveau.com
This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It draws inspiration from the bold flavors of Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese and Korean influences. The crispy, golden-brown exterior of the chicken necks is reminiscent of classic Western comfort food, while the tangy, savory sauce adds a layer of complexity that elevates the dish to new heights.
The chicken neck, often discarded as a less desirable cut, is transformed into a star ingredient. Its rich, gelatinous texture adds depth and flavor to the dish, while the crispy coating provides a satisfying crunch. This dish is a celebration of culinary creativity, proving that even the most humble ingredients can be elevated to extraordinary heights.
