Zesty Lemon Steamed Chicken: A Fresh Burst of Flavor Recipe

Culinary magic happens when steamed chicken with lemon sauce meets your kitchen creativity.

Bright citrus notes dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of fresh flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through this delicate dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Zesty lemons promise to awaken your taste buds with their vibrant punch.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, delivering a meal that looks impressive yet remains surprisingly uncomplicated.

Subtle aromatics hint at sophisticated dining without demanding complex techniques.

Light and refreshing, this recipe will become your new go-to when you want something special yet straightforward.

Steamed Chicken With Lemon Sauce That’s Light Yet Flavorful

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up this steamed chicken dish in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, hassle-free meal.
• Healthy Cooking Technique: Steaming preserves nutrients and reduces oil usage, creating a lighter alternative to traditional frying methods while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
• Flavor Explosion: The vibrant combination of lemon, ginger, and cilantro delivers a zesty, aromatic experience that transforms a simple chicken dish into a gourmet-style dinner.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by switching proteins or adding various vegetables, making it a flexible recipe for different taste buds and nutritional needs.

Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce Essentials

• Chicken: Lean protein base for the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation and clean taste.

• Lemon, Cilantro: Bright, fresh flavors that add zesty and herbal notes to the chicken, select ripe lemons and fresh cilantro for maximum flavor.

• Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce: Classic Asian umami-rich seasonings that provide depth and saltiness to the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory elements of the marinade.
• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Carrier oils that help distribute flavors and add subtle nutty undertones.

• Vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Ginger: Aromatic spice with warming and slightly spicy characteristics.
• Salt, White Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste profile.

• Cornstarch: Creates smooth, glossy sauce texture and helps thicken the marinade during steaming.

Process for Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Slice chicken into tiny, bite-sized treasures.

Carefully strip lemon zest in delicate ribbons, dodging the bitter white part.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice and chop fragrant cilantro, keeping some leaves aside for a beautiful final touch.

Step 2: Craft Magical Marinade

• Lemon juice
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vinegar
• Grated ginger
• Sesame oil
• Salt
• White pepper
• Cornstarch

Toss in those lemon zest strips and blend everything into a harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Marinate with Love

Gently fold chicken and chopped cilantro into the marinade.

Ensure every piece gets a luxurious coating.

Cover and let the flavors dance together for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Steam to Perfection

Transfer the marinated chicken into a heat-safe dish.

Pop it into a bamboo steamer or your favorite steaming setup.

Steam for 15 minutes, giving an occasional gentle stir.

Watch the chicken turn tender and the sauce transform into a silky glaze.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Pluck out those lemon zest strips.

Nestle the steamed chicken over fluffy rice with your favorite veggies.

Sprinkle reserved cilantro on top for a burst of fresh color and flavor.

Lemon Chicken Steam Tips

• Carefully peel lemon zest in thin strips to avoid the bitter white pith, ensuring a bright, citrusy flavor without unwanted bitterness.
• Let chicken sit in the marinade for exactly 20 minutes to absorb maximum flavor without breaking down the meat's texture.
• Stir chicken occasionally while steaming to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking to the dish.
• Swap proteins by using tofu or fish for a vegetarian or seafood version of this versatile dish.
• Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences, creating a personalized culinary experience.

Steamed Chicken That Stays Lemon-Fresh

• Store leftover steamed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Seal chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, preserving quality for up to 2 months; label with date and contents.
• Warm gently in microwave with a splash of water or broth, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying out; alternatively, steam for 2-3 minutes to maintain moisture and texture.
• Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating to eliminate potential bacteria and guarantee food safety.

Bright Picks For Steamed Chicken

Flavor Burst Pairings: Zesty Lemon Chicken Companions

• Crisp White Wine Match: Pour a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the bright citrus notes and cut through the chicken's rich marinade.
• Herbaceous Rice Side: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice infused with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to enhance the dish's delicate lemon and cilantro flavors.
• Crunchy Vegetable Contrast: Serve roasted asparagus or stir-fried green beans with toasted almonds to add textural complexity and provide a fresh, green counterpoint to the steamed chicken.
• Cooling Cucumber Salad: Whip up a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to balance the dish's tangy marinade and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Lemon Chicken Steaming Tips

• Low-Sodium Delight: Replace soy sauce and oyster sauce with low-sodium alternatives or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder and use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb-Infused Version: Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different aromatic profile, giving the dish a Mediterranean or Thai-inspired touch.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Remove sugar, use a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional steamed rice to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• Why do I need to avoid the white pith when peeling lemon zest?

The white pith is bitter and can make your sauce taste unpleasant. By carefully removing only the outer colored part of the lemon peel, you’ll get a bright, zesty flavor without unwanted bitterness.

• Can I use dried ginger instead of fresh?

Fresh ginger provides a more vibrant and intense flavor. Dried ginger can work in a pinch, but use about half the amount and be aware that the taste will be less robust and aromatic compared to fresh ginger.

• What does the cornstarch do in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a silky texture. It also helps the marinade coat the chicken more evenly and creates a glossy finish that makes the dish look more appetizing.

• Why steam instead of bake or fry the chicken?

Steaming preserves the chicken’s moisture, ensures even cooking, and keeps the meat tender. It’s a healthier cooking method that retains more nutrients and prevents the chicken from becoming dry or tough.

Steamed Chicken with Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon sauce elevates this classic steamed chicken dish to culinary perfection. Delicate chicken meets tangy citrus in a simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises to delight your palate with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken (breast or thigh meat, cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) fresh ginger paste (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 grams) white pepper
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cilantro, chopped (reserve 1/4 cup for garnish)
• Lemon peel strips (from juiced lemons)

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice chicken into uniform, bite-sized morsels, ensuring even cooking potential.
2. Extract vibrant lemon zest in delicate strips, meticulously avoiding the bitter underlying pith.
3. Extract lemon juice and finely chop fragrant cilantro, preserving a quarter cup for the final garnish.
4. Craft a complex marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, rich oyster sauce, umami-laden soy sauce, subtle sugar, light vegetable oil, tangy vinegar, sharp ginger, aromatic sesame oil, balanced salt, nuanced white pepper, and silky cornstarch.
5. Incorporate lemon peel strips into the marinade, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Gently fold chicken and chopped cilantro into the marinade, ensuring thorough and even coating.
7. Allow the chicken to absorb marinade flavors by resting covered for approximately 20 minutes.
8. Carefully transfer marinated chicken mixture into a heat-resistant dish suitable for steaming.
9. Position the dish within a traditional bamboo steamer or alternative steaming apparatus.
10. Steam the chicken for 15 minutes, periodically stirring to promote uniform cooking and sauce thickening.
11. Discard lemon peel strips before plating to eliminate potential bitter elements.
12. Present the succulent chicken atop fluffy steamed rice accompanied by complementary vegetables.
13. Elegantly garnish with reserved fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.
• Remove visible fat from chicken to reduce overall calorie content and ensure clean, tender meat.
• Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings adhere better and create a more flavorful coating.
• Adjust marinating time based on chicken piece size; smaller pieces need less time to absorb flavors.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes compared to bottled alternatives.
• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising taste.
• Consider gluten-free tamari as a substitute for traditional soy sauce for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Steam vegetables alongside chicken in the same steamer to create a complete, time-efficient meal.
• For a spicier version, add a few red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade.
• Rest chicken for 2-3 minutes after steaming to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg