Pui Shanghai
Shanghai Chicken
Pui Shanghai is a popular Romanian dish of crispy fried chicken pieces, often served as an appetizer or main course. It features chicken breast cut into strips, coated in a seasoned batter, and double-fried for extra crispiness. While its name suggests an Asian origin, it has been adapted and localized in Romania, becoming a favorite in pubs and homes alike.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken breast(cut into finger-sized strips)
- 3 large Eggs
- 300 g All-purpose flour
- 50 g Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Sunflower oil(for deep frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until a smooth, thick batter forms. Add a little cold water if the batter is too thick.
- 2
Add the chicken strips to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the chicken to marinate.
- 3
Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat for deep frying. The oil should be about 175°C (350°F).
- 4
Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil, in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. This is the first frying.
- 5
Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain. Let it rest for a few minutes.
- 6
Reheat the oil to the same temperature. Fry the chicken pieces again for another 2-3 minutes until extra crispy and golden brown. This double-frying is key to the dish's signature crispiness.
- 7
Remove the chicken from the oil, drain on paper towels, and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an even crispier coating, you can add a tablespoon of sesame seeds to the batter.
- ✓Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
- ✓Double-frying is essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with a sweet chili sauce or a garlic-based dipping sauce.
- Some recipes include soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce in the batter for added flavor.