Chef Esther Choi

Nurungji Crispy Rice Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Whole Spatchcock Chicken
• Salt
• Steamed Sticky Rice 75% Cooked
• Pine Nuts
• Korean Dried Dates
• Dried Apricots
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Parsley
• Toasted Sesame Oil
• Butter
• Mushrooms

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees.
• Take a whole chicken and cut out the backbone to spatchcock the bird.
• Lay flat and preseason with salt
• Mix together Sticky Rice, Pine Nuts, Korean Dried Dates, Dried Apricots, Garlic, Ginger, Salt, Rosemary and Parsley in a mixing bowl season liberally with Sesame Oil.
• Butter up a cast iron pan and press down sticky rice mixture down.
• Top with spatchcock chicken.
• Butter up the chicken on the skin and top side.
• Roast for 20 mins and then take out and top with mushrooms, season with more sesame oil and salt.
• Roast for another 20 mins (Additional time may be needed depending on size of chicken) and let it rest for 15 mins.
• Serve.

FEATURING

Messermeister Chef Esther Choi Precision Shears

Why the Messermeister x Esther Choi Shears Are Perfect for Making Nurungji Crispy Rice Chicken

Nurungji Chicken — a dish rooted in Korean culinary tradition — is known for its intensely crispy rice crust paired with perfectly prepped chicken. When done right, it’s textural heaven: the savory crunch of golden rice with tender, flavorful chicken in every bite.

Making this dish requires more than just good ingredients — it demands precision prep. That’s where the Messermeister x Esther Choi 7″ Push-Button Precision Shears shine.

Designed by Chef Esther Choi — Built for Korean Cuisine

Chef Esther Choi’s background in Korean cooking makes this tool especially suited for dishes like Nurungji Chicken. From breaking down whole poultry to prepping aromatics and herbs, the shears are optimized for speed, efficiency, and traditional cooking styles.

Breaking Down Chicken with Confidence

Why it matters:

To make Nurungji Chicken, you often start with a whole bird or bone-in parts — skin-on thighs, wings, or drumsticks. Clean, even cuts ensure even cooking and proper crisping.

Why these shears help:

• Micro-serrated blades grip skin and cartilage, making it easy to trim fat or cut through joints.

• The bone notch gives extra leverage when splitting small bones or trimming through cartilage.

• Push-button take-apart means you can clean the shears thoroughly after handling raw poultry — no hidden residue or buildup.

 Precision for Aromatics, Garnishes, and Herbs

Why it matters:

Korean-style Nurungji Chicken often features ingredients like green onions, chili threads, sesame leaves, or herbs — either in a sauce or as garnish. Uniform, fine cuts enhance presentation and flavor balance.

Why these shears help:

• The fine tips allow for controlled snipping of delicate herbs.

• Built-in herb stripper removes stems from greens like perilla or parsley quickly.

• Double-injection non-slip handles give steady control, even when your hands are wet or oily.

Ready for Tough Textures & Crispy Finishes

Why it matters:

Nurungji rice forms a hard, golden crust — and so do some bits of chicken skin and cartilage. Whether you’re portioning leftovers or slicing through caramelized edges, a regular knife might not cut it.

Why these shears help:

• The 4mm-thick, titanium-bonded blades can handle rigid, crispy textures without dulling.

• Their short 7″ profile gives you leverage without being clunky — perfect for close, controlled snips of crispy skin or rice crust edges.

Easy Cleanup = More Time Cooking

Once you’ve handled chicken, herbs, and sauces, you need tools that come apart and clean fast. These shears:

• Separate with a push-button, so no bacteria lingers near the pivot

• Are easy to sanitize and dry — crucial for food safety when handling raw poultry

Final Thoughts: Small Tool, Big Impact

The Messermeister x Esther Choi Shears are more than just scissors — they’re a multifunctional kitchen companion that truly supports Korean home cooking. When you’re preparing something as detailed and rewarding as Nurungji Crispy Rice Chicken, it’s the right tool that makes the process smoother, cleaner, and more precise.

Built by a chef who honors tradition and precision, these shears bring both into your hands.