Chicken Wrapped in Pandan Leaves is a popular Thai dish that combines juicy, marinated chicken with the fragrant aroma of pandan leaves. The chicken is tender, infused with bold spices, and wrapped in pandan leaves, which impart a subtle, earthy sweetness during the cooking process. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish that tantalizes your senses with both flavor and presentation.
Ingredients:
For the chicken marinade:
- 500g chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Other ingredients:
- 10-15 pandan leaves
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the dipping sauce (optional):
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Directions:
- Prepare the chicken marinade:
In a large bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, garlic, ginger, and ground coriander. Mix well. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). - Wrap the chicken in pandan leaves:
Take one pandan leaf and place a piece of marinated chicken at one end. Fold and wrap the leaf around the chicken to create a neat packet. Secure the ends by tucking them under the wrap or using toothpicks if needed. Repeat with the remaining chicken and pandan leaves. - Fry the chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the pandan-wrapped chicken in batches until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. - Prepare the dipping sauce (optional):
Mix sweet chili sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar in a small bowl. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to taste. - Serve:
Arrange the pandan-wrapped chicken on a serving platter and serve hot with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the fragrant aroma and juicy bites!
This dish is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or party spread.
