A pioneer of ‘the New Australian Cuisine’, Mark Best’s divine discontent has driven him to become one of the country’s leading chefs and restaurateurs. His Korean-inspired chicken dish forms a sublimely savoury combination with the supple delights of a qu

Korean-style roast chicken

Serves 4

Prep time: 2 hrs Cook time: 2–3 hrs

1 x 1.2 kg free range chicken

1 head of garlic

1 knob (50g) fresh ginger

2 tsp flaked sea salt

50ml sesame oil

1 tsp Sichuan pepper

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 tsp Korean chilli flakes (gochugaru)

1. Pre-heat a heavy casserole dish to 190ºC in a fan-forced oven.

2. Remove the backbone of the chicken using a pair of kitchen scissors.

3. Remove both legs.

4. Trim away the rib section.

5. Remove the wings by cutting through the shoulder joint.

6. Separate the breasts by cutting down the centre of the breast.

7. Coarsely grate the head of garlic (no need to remove the skin) and ginger using a box grater into a large dish.

8. Add the salt, sesame oil, Sichuan, black pepper and chilli flakes.

9. Add the chicken and coat evenly.

10. Marinade for 1–2 hours, if time permits.

11. Place the pre-heated pan on the hop on a moderate heat.

12. Add the chicken, skin side up, spacing it out evenly so that the pieces don’t touch.

13. Put back into the oven and roast for 45–50 minutes until the skin is golden.

14. Serve with oven-baked sebago chips.

Oven-baked sebago chips

Serves 4

6 large sebago potatoes

50g fine salt

100ml malt vinegar

Olive oil cooking spray 1 dessert spoon flaked sea salt

1. Pre-heat a heavy, flat cast iron pan in an oven at 190ºC.

2. Wash potatoes well and peel them.

3. Wash again under running water.

4. Cut into thick chips.

5. Add to a large saucepan and cover in cold water.

6. Add the fine salt and vinegar.

7. Bring to a low rolling boil on a cooktop.

8. Cook for 5 minutes to bloom the starch (90ºC water temp for this).

9. Drain the chips in a strainer or colander.

10. Spray the pre-heated pan and add the chips, spaced evenly.

11. Spray the chips liberally with olive oil and cook in the oven until golden, around 1 hour 30 minutes.

13. Sprinkle with additional salt and serve.