Sha Jiang Ji
Sand Ginger Chicken
A classic Cantonese comfort dish featuring tender chicken braised in a clay pot with the uniquely fragrant sand ginger (galangal). This method allows the chicken to cook in its own juices, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken pieces(Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs or drumettes work best for flavor and moisture. Cut into bite-sized pieces if using larger cuts.)
- 50 g Sand ginger (galangal)(Fresh sand ginger is preferred for its distinct aroma. If unavailable, use regular galangal, though the flavor will be slightly different. Finely mince or pound into a paste.)
- 6 Scallions(White and light green parts, cut into 3-inch sections. Reserve the green tops for garnish.)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce(Use light soy sauce for saltiness and color.)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine(A crucial ingredient for authentic flavor. If unavailable, dry sherry can be a substitute.)
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil(Toasted sesame oil for finishing.)
- 1/2 tsp Salt(Optional, to taste, depending on the saltiness of the soy sauce.)
- 1/4 tsp White pepper(Optional, for a subtle peppery note.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced sand ginger (or paste), soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt (if using), and white pepper (if using). Mix well.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
⏱️ 15-30 minutes - 3
Prepare the clay pot: Line the bottom and sides of the clay pot with the cut scallion sections. This creates a fragrant base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Assemble and cook: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the bed of scallions in the clay pot. Cover the clay pot tightly with its lid. Place the clay pot over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Cook for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You should hear gentle bubbling and smell the aromatic steam escaping.
⏱️ 35-40 minutes - 5
Finish and serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the clay pot from the heat. Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the chicken. Garnish with the reserved scallion greens. Serve immediately, directly from the clay pot, allowing guests to enjoy the heat and aroma.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Clay pots distribute heat evenly and retain it well, allowing for slow, gentle cooking that keeps the chicken moist.
- ✓This dish relies on the natural juices of the chicken for moisture. Avoid adding water, as it will dilute the flavor.
- ✓Sand ginger (or galangal) is the signature aromatic ingredient. Its unique, slightly pungent, and floral notes are essential to the dish's character.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced shiitake mushrooms or wood ear mushrooms along with the chicken for added texture and earthy flavor.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of rehydrated dried shrimp for an extra layer of umami.