RED-COOKED CHICKEN

Red-Cooked Chicken image

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 cup water
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons medium-dry Sherry
2 (1/4-inch-thick) slices fresh ginger, smashed
2 whole star anise
2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 teaspoons cold water
2 scallions, chopped

Steps:

Bring chicken, water, soy sauce, sugar, Sherry, ginger, and star anise to a simmer, covered, in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Cook until meat is tender, about 10 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a serving bowl and keep warm, covered.
Skim off any fat from sauce and boil sauce until syrupy and reduced by half, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir cornstarch mixture and whisk into sauce. Boil, whisking, until thickened and shiny, about 1 minute. Discard ginger and star anise.
Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with scallions.