Brilio.net - Many people have difficulty cleaning chicken, especially removing fine feathers that are still attached to the skin. If not cleaned properly, these feathers can interfere with the texture, appearance, and even cleanliness of the chicken to be cooked. There are two main methods that can be used to overcome this problem quickly and effectively. Check out the following steps as summarized by BrilioFood from various sources.
Why do chicken feathers need to be cleaned?
Leftover feathers can make food taste less clean and reduce the enjoyment when eaten. In addition, feathers that burn during cooking can cause an unpleasant odor. Therefore, it is important to make sure the chicken is completely clean before cooking.
Method 1: Dip in hot water.
One of the most effective ways to clean chicken feathers is to dip them in hot water. This technique makes it easier to remove feathers without damaging the texture of the chicken's skin.
Steps:
1. Prepare a large pan filled with water, then heat until boiling.
2. Turn off the heat and let the water sit for about 1 minute so it doesn't get too hot.
3. Dip the chicken in the hot water for 1015 seconds. Dont overcook it or the meat will start to cook.
4. Lift the chicken and immediately use tweezers or a knife to pluck any remaining feathers.
5. Rinse the chicken under running water to ensure all fine feathers are removed.
Advantages of this method:
- Helps loosen the roots of the hair so it is easier to remove.
- Effectively removes feathers without damaging chicken skin.
- No special tools required other than hot water and tweezers.
Method 2: Grill over low heat.
If there are still fine feathers left after the dipping process, the burning method can be the best solution. This is a trick often used in warteg and restaurants so that the chicken is really clean before cooking.
Steps:
1. Turn on the stove with low heat or use a gas lighter.
2. Hold the chicken with tongs, then bring the feathered part of the skin close to the fire.
3. Move the chicken slowly until all the fine feathers burn and disappear.
4. Make sure not to grill for too long so that the chicken skin doesn't burn.
5. Once finished, rinse the chicken with clean water to remove any remaining ash.
Advantages of this method:
- Quickly and effectively removes fine hair that is difficult to remove.
- Makes chicken skin cleaner and ready to be processed.
- No additional tools needed, just use fire from a stove or gas lighter.
Combine Both Methods for Maximum Results
If you want really clean results, you can combine these two methods. First, dip the chicken in hot water to make it easier to remove the main feathers. After that, use the burning method to make sure there are no fine feathers left. This combination is often used by food traders to ensure that the chicken they process is really clean and hygienic.
Additional Tips for Maximally Clean Chicken
- Use tweezers to remove any remaining hair that is still attached after the two methods above have been carried out.
- Do not use water that is too hot when dipping the chicken so that the skin texture remains good.
- Store the chicken in a closed container after cleaning to keep it fresh before cooking.
- Be sure to wash your hands and utensils after handling raw chicken to prevent bacterial contamination.