Poached Quail

Step 1

Stuff each quail with a green onion and a slice of ginger. Place quail in a tight fitting saucepan, add the remaining ginger, green onion, star anise, brown sugar, soy sauce and Chinese wine. Then cover with water, place a plate on top[ to keep quail submerged. Bring to boil on medium heat and boil for 1 1/2 minutes. Turn off and cover with a tight fitting lid and leave for about 4 hours to cook. Then refrigerate overnight to allow flavours to develop.

Step 2

Drain Quail – Reserve Broth.

Step 3

Pull meat and skin off quail – try and keep the tiny legs and thighs together – more for aesthetic purposes than anything else.

Step 4

Re-heat Broth to bubbling.

Step 5

In a separate saucepan bring water to boil and add enough noodles for four people. Boil for 2 minutes. Best not to drain – just take noodles from water and place into 4 x separate bowls. Add quall meat – Add a small handful of spinach, approx 8 leaves per bowl or more if you prefer – then pour over bubbling broth.

Step 6

Preparation time does not include refrigeration overnight.