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taiwanese popcorn chicken

January 28, 2015

taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls
taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls
taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls

I’m a sucker for food with meaning. I associate food with all sorts of things — a means of gathering together, a mode for celebration, a medium of remembrance, a conduit for family traditions, all those grand words. I love it all. This means I probably end up ascribing too much significance to my food sometimes — wait no we have to get peanut M&Ms before we board because we always have peanut M&Ms on the plane! — but somehow, I just love how much food can mean to us, and how much power it carries beyond just sustenance.

This Taiwanese popcorn chicken is a case in point — I was so, so excited to recreate it for Food52 a few weeks ago, because it comes from such a special place and time. Bowl #2 and I first discovered its glory on a short weekend trip to Taipei a few years ago (a mini trip inside a big, big one I’ve mentioned a few times before) and after we first tried it, I dragged B2 all over Taipei to try every other Taiwanese fried chicken joint I could Google in the rest of our short days there. (Resulting in us getting lost on more than one occasion. And ending up in a deserted garage trying to describe our difficulties to a baffled Taiwanese man on a moped.)

taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls
taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls

So in some ways it seems emblematic of our trip, and of the excitement that came with exploring a new country (and, really, a new relationship) on my first ever trip with a not-yet-Bowl-#2.  I think it’s a pretty worthy symbol, because it’s really delicious.  The chicken has an irresistible kind of sweet-savory umami depth, with a coating that’s crisp yet just the slightest bit chewy.  I really wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it at home, but it’s surprisingly and delightfully easy.  Making it in our own kitchen was like being transported right back to the midst of that giddy feeling of adventure and the hustle-bustle of that night market where we first tried it — meaningful food at its best.  You can find my take on the recipe over at Food52!  Hope you’re all having wonderful weeks!  (And friends in the more Juno-pummeled locales — hope you’re staying safe and warm!)

taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls
taiwanese popcorn chicken | two red bowls

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view more: appetizers· asian· mains· snacks

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  1. Sini

    January 28, 2015 at 8:35 am

    That video! Such a lovely way to link your trip to this recipe. Food that’s filled with memories is always the best kind <3

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      January 28, 2015 at 2:00 pm

      Right? Food makes everything more special. 🙂 Hope you’re doing wonderfully, Sini!

      Reply
  2. Amanda

    January 28, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Love the vid and the recipe. I know what you mean about food rituals and how special they are. Beautiful post.

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      January 28, 2015 at 2:01 pm

      Thank you so so much, Amanda!

      Reply
  3. themoonblushbaker

    January 28, 2015 at 9:16 am

    The Video is so cool! The timing of the home vid shots are perfect!

    Popcorn chicken nuggets are my treat from the deep fryer most often. I am slight weary of fried chicken but nuggets have my heart. That coating is making me salivate Cynthia!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      January 28, 2015 at 2:03 pm

      Yesss nuggets fo’eva! They seem so teeny and harmless compared to a whole leg 😉 baha. Thanks so much for your kind words, lady!

      Reply
  4. [email protected]

    January 28, 2015 at 9:25 am

    This looks incredible and I completely adore your video!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      January 28, 2015 at 2:22 pm

      Thank you so much, Tori!!

      Reply
  5. Lindsey

    January 28, 2015 at 10:05 am

    yes, food with meaning, lady – couldn’t agree more! i love hearing stories about food memories or where a particular dish came from, and the fact that you can recreate this memory in your home is tops . your story is so beautiful, and the video with taipei splices just makes it that more evocative – what a super special memory! big hugs! xo

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      January 28, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      Your words make me so happy, Lindsey!! Thank you 🙂 Hugs right back and thanks for being so lovely always <3

      Reply
  6. jenna @ justjfaye.com

    January 28, 2015 at 10:48 am

    I LOVE that video and those photos and this recipe and your story! Beautiful, all of it.

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:15 am

      You are so kind, Jenna — thank you so much!

      Reply
  7. Brooke Bass

    January 28, 2015 at 10:58 am

    It’s amazing how you were able to recreate this dish from a travel memory. And, I agree, those are some of the best ways to savor the memories of a trip 🙂 The photos on this one are stunning, as always. And please give B2 my compliments–that video is pretty spectacular!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:17 am

      Aw, thank you so much, Brooke!!! High five for being fried chicken twinz this week :):) your maple-brined masterpiece looked INCREDIBLE!

      Reply
  8. Betty | le Jus d'Orange

    January 28, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Omg. I love this so much. That video!! I’ve never been to taipei before, but it’s definitely on my travel list. I wholeheartedly agree with you – food with meaning is really the best kind. I find myself reliving memories through food – by learning my mother’s signature dishes, recreating stuff I’ve eaten abroad, or just cooking that one dish I made up in my dorm in freshman year during a tornado. I love this Cynthia!! Gorgeous everything.

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:18 am

      Thanks so much, lady! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Monica

    January 28, 2015 at 11:11 am

    You’re right…food is so important to us, in so many different ways. I love how we can re-create foods we had elsewhere at home and re-live a moment or memory that way. A long time ago, my husband and I used to go to a bubble-tea tea shop all the time and have tea and order a medley of snacks. I remember we got this chicken all the time…I never even realized it was Taiwanese popcorn chicken. So, so good and what a gem to find a recipe for it now. Great video, too!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:19 am

      Oh my gosh, yes! Bubble tea and fried chicken!! That sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful comment, Monica!

      Reply
  10. Rebecca @ Bring Back Delicious

    January 28, 2015 at 11:30 am

    I love that you went to a bunch of places to try it out before you left. You have to squeeze in every last opportunity!

    This also looks like a great late night meal. If I found a food truck serving that outside a local bar, I’d be set!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:20 am

      Bahaha right?? I travel with priorities! And oh my gosh yes, it’s such a perfect late night snack! We actually had it for the first time at a night market at wee hours and I’m convinced it tasted even better because of that. 😉 Thanks so much, Rebecca!

      Reply
  11. Kristin @ Tasty Joy

    January 28, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Awesome story, and great video to visualize it 🙂

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 12:20 am

      Thank you so much, Kristin!

      Reply
  12. Erika

    January 28, 2015 at 11:37 am

    Yes forever to food with meaning.. you know how I feel about that. This is so wonderful and I love that video. Truly talented couple. Although “Mama Dip” said don’t shake the grease off that chicken.. It’s all about healthy eating you know..LOL xo

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 11:29 am

      Oh yes I do <3 I love that about where we come from -- food and heritage are one and the same. And OMG hahaha Mama Dip!!!!! This comment made my day, Erika! <3

      Reply
  13. Michelle @ Hummingbird High

    January 28, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    That video is awesome! I love the way he spliced what you were doing with the trip video; the parallel between the two was cool. Also, I can’t wait to make this chicken! You make it sound amazing!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 11:30 am

      Oh my gosh I had no idea that he’d found those old clips from Taiwan until he showed me the final video for this!! Such a cool idea. Thanks so much, Michelle! :):)

      Reply
  14. Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife

    January 28, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    How is it I’ve been to Taiwan many times and never had the popcorn chicken? I love the scallion pancakes there…they are the best in the world…for breakfast, the ones with egg in them? Heaven. Next time I’m hunting these down like a hound…thanks for the recommendations…I’ll start there!

    Reply
    • tworedbowls

      February 2, 2015 at 11:32 am

      Oh my goodness YES the scallion pancakes!!! I totally agree there’s nowhere else that makes them that good. Pure heaven. Have extra for me next time you go!

      Reply
  15. Abby Wei

    January 28, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    Beautiful pictures and recipe—-the video made me so nostalgic and made me miss Taiwan so much—-Taiwan’s food is impossible to beat!! I would loveee to see more Taiwanese recipes if you ever get the chance!

    Love the blog 🙂

    Reply
  16. Joanna

    January 28, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    I still cannot decide what is more delicious- food or photography! I bet the correct answer is – both!

    Reply
  17. sundiegoeats

    January 28, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    This was twice a week in college – taro milk tea and spicy fried chicken runs with the roommates!

    Reply
  18. whiskandshout

    January 28, 2015 at 10:45 pm

    Obsessed with your photography as always! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Tieghant

    January 28, 2015 at 11:28 pm

    I am with you, food with meanings are the best!! And this recipe and these photos? THE BEST!!

    Reply
  20. movita beaucoup

    January 29, 2015 at 6:41 am

    I wonder if I could get 2.0 to shoot videos for me?

    Just kidding. He only just learned how to send an email this year.

    Reply
  21. chockywoky

    January 29, 2015 at 8:32 am

    Popcorn chicken is the best! This is just so exciting 😀

    Lovely video as well, by the way

    Reply
  22. Pang @ circahappy

    January 29, 2015 at 10:57 am

    He is indeed the multi-talented B2!!! And you are such a good GF, did you just give him a piece during filming 🙂

    This makes me miss Thailand. It looks so easy & tasty I definitely will give it a try.
    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful moment with all of us, Cynthia 🙂
    xoxo

    Reply
  23. Magda | My Little Expat Kitchen

    January 29, 2015 at 11:07 am

    What a wonderful video and I loved how you added those scenes from Taiwan. It’s so great that bowl #2 is helping you with the videos. The couples that play together, stay together 😉
    It is so tempting this recipe. I have to give it a try!

    Reply
  24. Kathryn

    January 29, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    Major love for the video; you guys are such a super talented couple. Also, I want to eat this SO BAD.

    Reply
  25. Tessa | Salted Plains

    January 29, 2015 at 1:28 pm

    What a great video!! And what a wonderful way to capture such a special memory. Love it. And this popcorn chicken – yes, please.

    Reply
  26. Jennifer Farley

    January 29, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    That video was giving me the wanderlust bug (for a change). And the chicken sounds amazing! Beautiful, as always.

    Reply
  27. Lauren // lavender + vine

    January 29, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    The photography is beautiful and the chicken looks delicious. So many foods are tied to bigger things for me (personally, I get an earl grey tea every single time I go to an airport). Food is such a significant part of life, I think it’s kind of great to fall into things like that.

    Reply
  28. topwithcinnamon

    January 29, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    Food is so evocative! How it looks, smells and tastes. Even the making process can hold some kind of memory, which is why it’s so lovely. Oh and this popcorn chicken looks to-die-for: get in my belly!!!

    Reply
  29. emily

    January 30, 2015 at 12:11 am

    Yes yes yes to this chicken! And the lighting in the picture of you holding the chickie is just too warm and ethereal and still somehow moody and complementary and just divine.

    Reply
  30. thejameskitchen

    January 31, 2015 at 9:48 am

    Food rituals are so important and I love how food connects memories, one smell or taste can instantly bring back a myriad of feelings, impressions & experiences.
    What a great dish to remember your travels. We’ll join you and make this popcorn chicken very soon. Thanks, Nicole.

    Reply
  31. Cate | Chez CateyLou

    January 31, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    “how much power it carries beyond just sustenance.” – I love that line! It is so true. I am just like you when I’m traveling – always trying to eat everything, and usually getting lost trying to find it! This chicken looks amazing – I think I could eat that whole strainer full of chicken!

    Reply
  32. www.foolproofliving.com

    February 1, 2015 at 7:54 am

    That video.. B2 did an excellent job.
    This chicken looks so so yummy!
    We are planning a trip to Thailand and Taiwan in 2016 and I cannot wait to taste the amazing food of that region. I will make this one to prepare our taste buds for our trip.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  33. atasteofmadess

    February 1, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    I LOVE popcorn chicken! This looks so good!

    Reply
  34. Nik@ABrownTable

    February 2, 2015 at 12:18 am

    Isn’t it amazing how we tie and associate food and tastes with our memories! You and B2 did such a great job with this post and make me want to visit Taipei someday. Gorgeous photos as always, Cynthia!

    Reply
  35. alanafixfeastflair

    February 2, 2015 at 1:23 am

    Food with meaning/memories is the best kind. Loved the video–go B2!!

    Reply
  36. anna @ annamayeveryday

    February 3, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Such beautiful photographs, it looks so so delicious!

    Reply
  37. Lorna

    February 9, 2015 at 4:52 am

    I absolutely love your photography here, particularly the one with you holding the sieve. I can’t wait to try this recipe.

    Reply
  38. Anne MC

    July 9, 2015 at 4:28 pm

    Hello Cynthia,
    wishing you and husband all the best. The pictures of you both are so beautiful, full of love. Happy honeymoon. I have just made these tonight and all the family really loved them. Picture on https://instagram.com/tinhanne/ .
    All the best. Anne

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Cynthia

An avid eater and dabbling food-maker living in California with my husband, “Bowl #2,” and our baby bowls, Luke, Clara, and Fiona.

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