Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Sweet and Sour Chicken, a classic dish that blends sweet, tangy, and savory notes to create a symphony of taste. This popular dish, often found in Chinese restaurants, has captivated palates worldwide with its crispy chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices, then coated in a batter and deep-fried until golden brown and succulent. The sauce, made with a combination of sugar, vinegar, tomato sauce, and spices, adds a vibrant and tangy touch to the dish. This recipe provides detailed instructions for creating an authentic Sweet and Sour Chicken dish that will transport you to the bustling streets of China. Additionally, variations of this beloved dish, such as a healthier baked version and a vegetarian alternative using tofu, are also included to cater to different dietary preferences and cooking styles. Enjoy the culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of preparing this timeless classic.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Sweet and Sour Chicken is an American Chinese takeout favorite, made by batter-frying chicken and tossing it in a quick sweet and sour sauce.
Provided by Bill
Categories Chicken
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- Set aside ½ cup of pineapple juice from your can of pineapple, and reserve ⅔ cup of the pineapple chunks (if using). Set aside.
- Combine the hot water, salt, sugar, and ketchup. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, and then add the vinegar and pineapple juice (if using). If not using pineapple juice, replace with ½ cup water or chicken stock. Set aside.
- Cut your chicken into uniform 1 inch chunks (for even cooking) and place into a bowl. Add the garlic and onion powders, sesame oil, white pepper and salt. Mix until all pieces are uniformly coated, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Any excess water should be fully absorbed by the chicken. If not, mix the chicken again and let it sit for another 5 minutes.
- Mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl, and add 2/3 cup of ice water. Use a fork to mix until a batter is formed, and stir in 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
- The amount of oil you need depends on the size of the pot you will use. Using a larger pot uses more oil, but allows you to cook the chicken in fewer batches. Using a smaller pot uses less oil, but you'll have to fry more batches of chicken. We usually go for a smaller pot, so we have less leftover oil. Heat the oil in a small pot until it reaches 335°F/170°C.
- Place 5 to 6 pieces of marinated chicken into the batter. Use a chopstick, fork, or your fingers to coat the chicken in the batter and place each piece slowly into the oil.
- Use a slotted spoon to carefully turn the chicken so all sides are uniformly fried. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is a light golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let any excess oil drain off before placing onto a rack or paper towel lined plate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a wok over medium high heat, and add the red onion and peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Next, add the sweet and sour sauce you prepared earlier and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat so the sauce is simmering.
- Combine the cornstarch and water to make a uniform slurry. While stirring the sweet and sour sauce, drizzle the slurry in gradually until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon (you may not need all of the slurry). Turn down the heat and give the sauce a quick taste--now is the time to add more salt, vinegar or sugar if desired.
- Add the pineapple chunks (if using) and stir until warmed through. Now is the time to refry the chicken to make them nice and crispy. Heat the oil up to 335°F/170°C and fry the chicken in two batches for about 45 seconds each time. Then add the chicken pieces to your sauce, and gently toss with your wok spatula until the chicken is coated. Serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 466 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 19 g, Fat 30 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Cholesterol 64 mg, Sodium 741 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EASY SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
This a really easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy! Serve over rice.
Provided by wmbloomer
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Roll and coat chicken cubes in flour mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook and stir chicken in hot oil until not longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes; remove and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Cook and stir celery, green peppers, and onion in heated oil until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Whisk ketchup, lemon juice, pineapple, and brown sugar in a bowl; pour into the skillet; bring to a boil.
- Cook and stir chicken and vegetables in sauce until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 420.6 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 64.6 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 870.1 mg, Sugar 31.6 g
SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN
Instead of deep-frying chunks of chicken, this streamlined take on an American Chinese restaurant favorite opts for stir-frying it. Sweetness comes from pineapple chunks and juice, plus a touch of brown sugar, while rice wine vinegar delivers that pleasing sour punch.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 2 to 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper and add to pan. Brown chicken and remove to plate. Add red and green peppers and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in pineapple chunks, juice, sugar, vinegar and broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer until sauce begins to reduce. Stir in cornstarch mixture and bring liquid to a simmer. Stir in chicken strips and cook for 5 minutes. Serve over rice.
EASY SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN
Ditch the takeaway and make our simple sweet and sour chicken recipe. This speedy Chinese-style rice dish is ready in under 30 minutes and packed with zingy flavours
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large microwaveable dish, mix the ketchup, vinegar, sugar and garlic thoroughly with the chicken, onion and peppers. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 8-10 mins until the chicken is starting to cook and the sauce is sizzling.
- Stir in the pineapple pieces and sugar snap peas and return to the microwave for another 3-5 mins until the chicken is completely cooked. Leave to stand for a few minutes, then stir in the cashews, if using, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 2 grams fat, Carbohydrate 38 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 23 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 1.63 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, gather all of the ingredients and equipment you will need. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss anything.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final dish. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Chicken is a delicate meat that can easily be overcooked. Cook it until it is just cooked through, but still tender and juicy.
- Use a Good Quality Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce is the star of this dish. Use a good quality sauce that you enjoy the taste of.
- Serve Immediately: Sweet and sour chicken is best served immediately after it is cooked. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don't let it sit for too long before serving.
Conclusion:
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious sweet and sour chicken dish that your family and friends will love. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
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