The Spice Bag (Recipe) is a popular fast-food dish in Ireland, beloved for its flavorful, spicy, and satisfying combination of ingredients. It’s often considered comfort food and is typically associated with late-night cravings or casual takeaways. Originating from Chinese takeout restaurants in Ireland, the spice bag has become a cultural phenomenon.
Key Features
- Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Usually crispy, fried chicken pieces, such as chicken strips or chunks, often coated in a flavorful breading.
- Chips: Thick-cut fries, cooked until golden and crispy.
- Vegetables: Commonly includes sautéed onions, bell peppers, and sometimes chilies for added heat.
- Spice Mix:
- The defining feature of a spice bag is its seasoning, a blend of spices that typically includes salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and sometimes Chinese five-spice or curry powder. Each restaurant or home cook may have their own variation.
- Assembly:
- The fried chicken, chips, and vegetables are tossed together in the spice mix to coat everything evenly. The dish is then served in a paper bag, which helps keep the contents hot and allows the flavors to meld.
- Optional Extras:
- Some versions include curry sauce on the side for dipping, or they are topped with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for added flair.
Cultural Significance
- The spice bag is a uniquely Irish adaptation of Chinese-style cuisine. It’s a fusion dish that reflects Ireland’s love for hearty, flavorful meals.
- Its popularity has grown significantly, inspiring “Spice Bag Challenges” and even spice mix products for home cooking.
Where to Find It
- You can find spice bags at most Chinese takeout restaurants in Ireland. Some pubs and eateries also feature elevated versions of the dish on their menus.
How to Make It:
Ingredients
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 4 medium sized fillets
Buttermilk Marinade:
Spice Mix
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp Chinese Five Spice
Flour dip:
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Spice Mix
To prepare:
- Cooking oil for cooking chicken
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- Warm, crispy french fries, cooked any way you like
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into small pieces, trimming off any excess fat. In a medium bowl, mix together the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 20 minutes. For a longer marinade, cover the bowl and refrigerate.
Make the Spice Mix: While the chicken marinates, prepare the spice mix. Combine all the spice ingredients in a small bowl and stir until well blended. Set aside.
Cook the Fries: Start preparing your fries while the chicken is marinating.
Prepare the Flour Dip: In a large, shallow dish, mix together the flour dip ingredients until fully combined. Remove a few pieces of chicken from the marinade, toss them in the flour mixture, and then dip them briefly back into the marinade. Coat them in the flour dip a second time. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a metal cooling rack as you repeat this process for the remaining chicken.
Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
Sauté the Vegetables: Discard most of the oil from the skillet, leaving just a small amount. Return the skillet to medium-high heat, add the peppers and onion, and sauté quickly until they are lightly browned and softened.
Combine and Season: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, warm chicken, and cooked fries. Sprinkle generously with the prepared spice mix to taste and toss everything to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve the mixture in paper bags for a fun presentation. Enjoy!
