Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken

A Culinary Journey to China: Sweet and Sour Chicken

As the name suggests, Chinese Sweet and Sour Chicken offers a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, all while satisfying your craving for something savory. This classic Chinese dish is a popular choice at restaurants, but now you can create it right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor

For the Marinated Chicken

• 600g chicken breast, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Batter and Coating

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cornflour, as needed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic salt
• 2 tsp paprika
• Oil for frying

For the Stir-fried Vegetables

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped into chunks
• 1 green pepper, chopped into chunks
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 475g canned of pineapple chunks, drained

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 4 tbsp vinegar
• 4 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce, for colour

For Garnish

• 1 tsp sesame seeds, to serve

Unveiling the Magic: Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the Star of the Show Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, and let the flavors meld for at least 4 hours, or even overnight.

2. Egg-cellent Binding After marinating, mix the lightly beaten eggs directly with the chicken pieces.

3. Seasoned to Perfection In a separate bowl, whisk together cornflour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and paprika.

4. Dressed for Success Coat the chicken in the cornflour mixture, shaking off any excess. To prevent sticking, add more cornflour as needed.

5. Golden Glory Deep fry the chicken pieces until they reach a beautiful golden brown. Set aside to drain.

6. Onions Take the Stage Using the same pan, remove the excess oil and stir fry the onions on high heat until nicely browned.

7. Veggie Delight Add peppers, ginger, and garlic to the pan, continuing to stir fry.

8. A Taste of the Tropics Introduce the pineapple chunks to the mix, but hold back the juice for now.

9. Saucy Serenade In a separate bowl, blend ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and dark soy sauce, then add it to the pan with the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a vigorous boil and thicken to your desired consistency.

10. The Grand Finale Combine the fried chicken with the sauce and vegetables, ensuring each piece is coated in the scrumptious, sticky sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Nutritional Notes

Serving size: 150g (4 servings per recipe) Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Is Sweet and Sour Chicken a Healthy Choice?

When considering the healthiness of Sweet and Sour Chicken, it's important to take into account the ingredients, cooking methods, and portion sizes. While this dish is rich in protein from the chicken, it also contains a significant amount of carbohydrates and fat due to the cornflour coating and frying method. Additionally, the sweet and tangy sauce contains added sugar.

However, there are ways to make this dish healthier without sacrificing taste:

• Opt for baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying to reduce the amount of fat.
• Use whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of cornflour to add more fiber and nutrients to the dish.
• Reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce or consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as adding snap peas, carrots, or baby corn, to increase the nutrient content.
• Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to balance out the meal.

In moderation, and with a few healthy tweaks, Sweet and Sour Chicken can be a delicious and satisfying option. Just remember to watch portion sizes and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Top Tips and Secrets for the Perfect Sweet and Sour Chicken

• Cut the chicken and vegetable pieces in roughly hte same size so they all cook in roughly the same time.
• Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 4 hours or even overnight to ensure the chicken meat will have some taste.
• When frying the chicken pieces, ensure that your oil is on 350 F or 180 C.
• Do not crowd the chicken pieces when frying to ensure the oil temperature does not go down too much.
• When stir-frying the vegetables, use high heat to bring a bit of charred flavour to them.

Ingredient Swaps for the Adventurous Chef

Can't find some ingredients or looking to experiment? Here are some possible substitutes:

• Replace pineapple with canned mandarin oranges or fresh mango for a different fruity twist.
• Swap red and green peppers for yellow or orange ones to add a pop of color.
• Instead of ketchup, try using hoisin sauce or plum sauce for a richer, more complex flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend instead of cornflour.

How to Ensure the Chicken Pieces are Crunchy?

1. Ensure you fry the chicken pieces in hot oil with a temperature of at least 350F or 180C
2. Do not overcrowd the chicken pieces in the frying pan.
3. Use cornflour rather than flour.
4. After frying the chicken pieces, ensure to drain the chicken pieces of any excess oil, and put them in a container with sufficient air circulation to avoid moisture build up.

What to serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken?

• Serve with plain white rice or garlic or egg fried rice.
• Serve with Asian Noodles of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier and more tender texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

If you like a little heat in your sweet and sour sauce, add some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

How can I store leftovers?

Place any leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. When you're ready to cook, simply follow the steps from dredging the chicken onward.