Steamed Chicken Thigh with Scallion Oil (Bento Style)

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the scallion oil first: take a whole scallion's white part plus some green for color, then smash it with the back of a knife to release its aroma.
   ▶ ≈0:06
2. 2
   Finely julienne some ginger — the finer the better — and place it along with garlic on top of the scallions.
   ▶ ≈1:36
3. 3
   Sprinkle salt directly onto the scallion, ginger and garlic first (since oil won't dissolve salt or sugar), then add sugar, sesame seeds, and soy sauce to build the seasoning base for the scallion oil.
   ▶ ≈2:42
4. 4
   Take chicken thighs straight from the fridge, lay a few ginger slices on top, and rub salt evenly over the surface — no need for wine or other seasonings.
   ▶ ≈3:20
5. 5
   Cover with a lid and steam over medium heat for about 20 minutes without touching it.
   ▶ ≈4:04
6. 6
   While the chicken steams, heat oil until it starts to smoke, ready to pour over the scallion-ginger-garlic mixture to make the scallion oil.
   ▶ ≈4:24
7. 7
   Once the oil is smoking, turn off the heat and pour it over the scallions in two additions to release the fragrance, finishing the scallion oil.
   ▶ ≈5:50
8. 8
   In another pan, heat a little oil with garlic, stir-fry the thicker water spinach stems first, then add the leafy parts along with cilantro.
   ▶ ≈5:20
9. 9
   Season the stir-fry with salt first to draw out moisture from the vegetables, then add sugar to taste; if not serving children, you can add a splash of wine, and remove from heat while still vibrant green.
   ▶ ≈6:54
10. 10
    Optionally fry an egg to add to the bento; if the bento will be reheated by steaming later, it's fine if the egg isn't fully cooked yet since it'll finish cooking then — otherwise just enjoy it freshly fried.
    ▶ ≈7:44
11. 11
    Once the chicken thighs are fully steamed, remove them and be sure to save the flavorful steaming liquid to pour over the rice instead of discarding it.
    ▶ ≈8:12
12. 12
    Pour the chicken steaming liquid over the rice, then drizzle the prepared scallion oil (with a bit of shredded carrot for color) on top to finish the base of the bento.
    ▶ ≈8:38
13. 13
    Arrange the stir-fried water spinach, steamed chicken thigh, and fried egg into the bento box; add a spoonful of homemade chili sauce if you like heat, and the simple bento meal is complete.
    ▶ ≈9:02