TAIWANESE TURKEY RICE

Ingredients

• 2 pounds bone-in turkey pieces, such as the breast or legs, breasts cut through the bone into large chunk, legs divided into drumsticks and thighs

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sichuan peppercorns

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

• Steamed rice for serving

Procedures

1. 1

Rub the turkey with 1/4 teaspoons each of the salt and white pepper. Choose a large pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven, and place a steamer rack inside. Fill the pot with 2 cups of water. Place the turkey on a dish that fits inside the pot and sits atop the steamer rack. (In order to save the turkey drippings, the turkey should not be placed directly on a rack with holes.) Bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Steam the turkey until its internal temperature close to the bone reaches 180 degrees, about 30 minutes. Let cool. Reserve the juices and drippings.

2. 2

Once the turkey meat has cooled, pull the meat into bite-size shreds by hand and discard the bones and skin.

3. 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a small pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced shallots and cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer immediately to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the cooking oil.

4. 4

Combine the shallot cooking oil with 1/2 cup of the reserved juices and drippings from the steamed turkey. Add the water, sugar, soy sauce, Sichuan peppercorns, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoons each of salt and white pepper. Add half of the fried shallots, saving the rest for garnish. Whisk mixture over medium heat to dissolve sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer, uncovered until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Strain sauce and discard solids.

5. 5

To serve, scoop rice into individual serving bowls and top with a mound of the shredded turkey meat. Spoon the sauce over each bowl. Finish with the fried shallots and cilantro for garnish.

serious eats.

#taiwan