Authentic Chinese Nuo Mi Ji Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (around 1.2kg)
300g glutinous rice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 slices of ginger
1 spring onion
30g dried shiitake mushrooms
30g dried lotus seeds
30g dried chestnuts
30g dried jujubes (Chinese dates)
1 litre of water

Steps and instructions

Soak the glutinous rice, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried lotus seeds, dried chestnuts, and dried jujubes in water for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight.
After soaking, drain the rice and dried ingredients. Keep the soaked mushroom water for later use.
Wash the chicken thoroughly, both inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger slices. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Stuff the chicken with the soaked and drained glutinous rice and dried ingredients, then sew the cavity closed using a needle and thread. If there's any leftover stuffing, you can wrap it in aluminum foil.
Put the stuffed chicken and any leftover wrapped stuffing into a deep pot, then add the litre of water and the soaked mushroom water.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are merged. Be sure to flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Just before serving, remove the thread and discard the ginger slices. Cut the chicken into pieces and serve with the stuffing. If you have leftover wrapped stuffing, you can also serve this on the side.
Garnish with chopped spring onion. Enjoy your Nuo Mi Ji hot for the best taste.

Tools for making

Deep pot - A large, deep pot with a fitted lid to cook the Nuo Mi Ji.
Needle and thread - Used to sew the cavity of the chicken closed after stuffing.
Paper towels - To pat dry the chicken after washing.
Aluminum foil - For wrapping any leftover stuffing.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh cubes marinated in a soy-based sauce.
Seafood Variation: Add shrimp, scallops, or other seafood to the stuffing mixture.
Spicy Twist: Incorporate chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns, or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Crispy Crust: Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and soy sauce before baking it in the oven for a crispy outer layer.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the glutinous rice with regular rice or a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or mint to the stuffing mixture for added fragrance and flavor.
Nutty Delight: Include chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pine nuts in the stuffing for a crunchy texture.
Fruity Variation: Add diced apples, pears, or raisins to the stuffing to introduce a hint of sweetness.
Asian Fusion: Incorporate traditional Chinese spices like five-spice powder, star anise, or cinnamon to infuse the dish with rich flavors.
Custom Seasoning: Experiment with different marinades and sauces such as teriyaki, hoisin, or barbecue sauce to personalize the taste.

Recipe overview

Nuo Mi Ji is a scrumptious, traditional Chinese dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration. This recipe involves a whole chicken that's marinated in a flavorful concoction of sauces and spices, then stuffed with glutinous rice and a mixture of dried ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, lotus seeds, chestnuts, and jujubes. The stuffed chicken is then slow-cooked until tender, resulting in a dish that's bursting with rich, savory flavors and contrasting textures. The preparation might be a bit time-consuming, especially since the stuffing needs to be soaked in advance, but the result is definitely worth the effort. Expect a hearty, comforting dish that will surely impress your loved ones!

Common questions

Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
While the traditional recipe calls for glutinous rice, you can use regular rice if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will be different.
Can I use other types of dried ingredients?
Yes, you can experiment with different dried ingredients according to your preference. However, the traditional recipe uses dried shiitake mushrooms, dried lotus seeds, dried chestnuts, and dried jujubes for their unique flavors and textures.
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken parts such as chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. However, using a whole chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the dish.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker instead of a pot?
Yes, you can cook Nuo Mi Ji in a slow cooker. Simply follow the marinating and stuffing steps, then place the stuffed chicken and liquid in the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for around 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Nuo Mi Ji by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add various vegetables and tofu for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Deep pot - A deep pot with a lid is necessary for simmering the chicken and rice dish.
Needle and thread - These are required for sewing the cavity of the chicken closed after stuffing.
Paper towels - Use paper towels to pat dry the chicken before marinating.
Aluminum foil - If there is any leftover stuffing, it can be wrapped in aluminum foil.

Origin stories

Nuo Mi Ji, a classic dish in Chinese cuisine, has been enjoyed for centuries. It is particularly beloved in the south of China, especially in Guangdong Province. This dish is often consumed during festivals and celebrations, as glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice) is considered a symbol of unity and togetherness in Chinese culture. The process of preparing Nuo Mi Ji is time-consuming and requires skill, which reflects traditional Chinese values of diligence and patience. Interestingly, despite its festive associations, Nuo Mi Ji is also a popular comfort food, enjoyed on cold days or when one is in need of a hearty, warming meal. Its combination of savory chicken and fragrant glutinous rice, along with a medley of tasty dried ingredients, make it a truly satisfying dish to savor.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.