Tau Yu Chicken Recipe

Tau Yu Chicken is a delicious adaptation of the traditional Tau Yew Bak, which features braised pork belly in a rich soy based sauce. In this recipe we swap pork belly for juicy chicken thighs, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying dish. Lets explore the origins of Tau Yew Bak and how we trace this recipe back to its pork belly roots, and the best ways to serve this flavorful dish.

Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce (Tau Yew Bak)

Tau Yew Bak or braised pork belly in soy sauce, is a beloved Chinese dish often served at family gatherings. The pork belly is slow cooked in a fragrant mix of soy sauces, spices, and often with hard boiled eggs, until it becomes melt in your mouth tender. While pork belly offers a rich fatty flavor, this chicken version provides a healthier alternative while still keeping the essence of the dish intact.

Origins of Tau Yew Bak / Lou Bak

Tau Yew Bak, also known as Lou Bak in some regions, has its origins in Chinese Hokkien cuisine. This dish is all about slow braising, a technique that breaks down tougher cuts of meat, making them tender and flavorful. The use of soy sauce, along with spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, adds depth to the dish. Variations of this dish can be found throughout Southeast Asia, with each family often having its own version passed down through generations.

How to cook Tau Yew Bak (Braised Soy Pork Belly)

If you want to go back to the roots of this dish and use pork belly instead of chicken, here’s how.

• Replace the chicken thighs with 1 lb (500g) pork belly, cut into thick slices.
• Follow the same marinating steps, but extend the simmering time to about 40 minutes, as pork belly requires more time to become tender.

This version will result in a richer and more indulgent meal, perfect for those who love the comforting, fatty goodness of pork belly.

Mushrooms for Braised Chicken in Soy Sauce

Mushrooms add an earthy flavor to this dish. Here are a few options you can try.

• Shiitake Mushrooms These mushrooms have a bold, meaty texture and add a deeper umami flavor to the dish. You can use dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked in water) for a more concentrated taste.
• Button Mushrooms If you prefer a milder mushroom flavor, button mushrooms are a great choice. They hold their shape well and don’t overpower the dish.
• Oyster Mushrooms These mushrooms are delicate and slightly sweet. They pair beautifully with soy-based sauces without overshadowing other ingredients.

Tau Yew Serving Options Asian Greens

Adding a side of fresh greens can make this meal complete. Here are some serving options.

• Bok Choy Steam or stir-fry bok choy with garlic for a quick and healthy side dish. The crisp texture and mild flavor of bok choy work perfectly with the rich soy sauce.
• Choy Sum Another great option is choy sum, which has a slightly sweet flavor. Simply blanch it and drizzle with a little sesame oil for added taste.
• Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli) Gai Lan’s sturdy leaves and stems hold up well when stir-fried. Serve it with a light oyster sauce or garlic for a classic pairing with Tau Yu Chicken.

Tau Yew Serving Options Rice or Fried Rice

Tau Yu Chicken is best enjoyed with rice, but there are different ways you can serve it.

• Steamed Jasmine Rice The fluffy texture of jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up the savory sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying side that complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
• Brown Rice For a healthier alternative, you can opt for brown rice, which adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Fried Rice If you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, fried rice is a fantastic option. You can stir-fry the rice with garlic, soy sauce, and a little sesame oil to enhance the meal.

No matter which option you choose, the rich flavors of Tau Yu Chicken paired with rice or greens will create a balanced and comforting meal. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Tau Yu Chicken – Braised Chicken in Soy Sauce

Prep Time40 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs (600 grams ) cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 eggs hard boiled, peeled, chopped in half
• 2 potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce dark soy sauce prefered
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 cloves
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 head of garlic peeled, crushed and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon white pepper
• 3 cups water

Instructions

• Place the chopped chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with soy sauce, sugar, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
• In a wok or skillet, heat up some oil over low-medium heat. Add the garlic and stir fry for about 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon stick, star anise and cloves. Stir fry for another minute.
• Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated chicken pieces, and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken starts to change color and cook through.
• Add 3 cups of water and the potato pieces to the wok. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cover the wok. Let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes stirring lightly every 5 minutes.
• Toward the end of cooking, add the mushrooms and boiled eggs. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Serve the Tau Yu Chicken with steamed rice or asian greens