Red Cooked Chicken, Eastern Chinese Style

Ingredients

• 1 (3 lb) whole frying chickens

• 1-2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 star anise
• 1-2 clove garlic, lightly smashed
• 2-3 slices ginger, lightly smashed
• 2 scallions, lightly smashed
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light soy sauce
• 3/4 cup dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry

Directions

1. 1

   Star anise (available in Asian markets) comes in cellophane bags.

2. 2

   Whole ones have a total of eight points, each with an anise seed inside.

3. 3

   If you can't find a whole one, just count out eight broken pieces.

4. 4

   Use a little more or less to taste but don't omit it since it's an important element in this recipe.

5. 5

   The original recipe calls for Chinese rock sugar which imparts a lustrous finish to the gravy.

6. 6

   Available in Asian stores.

7. 7

   Remove any excess fat from the chicken.

8. 8

   Heat oil and brown chicken on all sides.

9. 9

   Add the anise, scallions, ginger& garlic and brown slightly.

10. 10

    Combine the soy sauces, brown sugar, stock and sherry and pour into the pot with the chicken.

11. 11

    Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down until the sauce is simmering slightly.

12. 12

    Cook uncovered for 45- 50 minutes, turning and basting every 10 minutes.

13. 13

    To serve just pull the meat off with a serving fork.

14. 14

    Use the gravy on the chicken and on rice.