Set for Five

Chapter I · Chicken·Chinese

Hong shao chicken

lacquered, fall-off-bone. soy-star-anise. 4 servings.

6-qt Instant Pot inner pot + fridge space overnight

High Pressure 30 min · Full Natural Release

Cut

  • 1.75 lb (800 g)·bone-in chicken thighs
  • 6 slices (30 g)·ginger, smashed
  • 4 (40 g)·scallion whites

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup (60 mL)·soy sauce
  • 1 Tbs (15 mL)·dark soy
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL)·Shaoxing wine
  • 2 Tbs (24 g)·rock sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL)·water

Layer

  • 2 pods·star anise

Pressure

High Pressure 30 min

Release

Full natural release, about 25 min

The sauce should coat, not drown. Pressure cooking needs less liquid than a wok braise.

Next pot

Same pantry, different taste

Similar ingredients, another texture or cuisine — so the next delay start does not taste like last night.