Steamed Chicken With Black Mushrooms And Bok Choy

Soak shiitakes in boiling hot water in a bowl until softened, about 30 minutes.

Cut out and discard stems, then squeeze excess liquid from caps and discard soaking liquid.

Hack each chicken thigh crosswise through bone into thirds with a cleaver.

Stir together soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sesame oil and salt in a large bowl until smooth, then add chicken, mushroom caps, scallions and ginger and toss well to coat.

Marinate at room temperature, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Put rack into wok and add enough water to reach just below it (If using a steamer insert, use approximately 4 inches of water). Cover wok (or skillet) and bring water to a boil.

Transfer chicken mixture to pie plate and put in wok (or skillet) then steam covered, stirring once, until chicken is just cooked through, about 25 minutes.

While chicken is steaming, cook bok choy uncovered in a 4 to 6 quart pot of (unsalted) boiling water until just tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain in a colander.

Carefully remove pie plate from wok. Arrange bok choy around edge of a large deep platter and spoon chicken and sauce in center.