Discover the exquisite flavor of sweet and sour chicken with our homemade recipe. Juicy pieces of chicken breast are combined with an irresistible sweet and sour sauce, enhanced with the freshness of pineapple and the crunchy texture of vegetables. An explosion of Asian flavors in every bite that will delight your taste buds and turn your table into a feast worthy of a chef.
Bittersweet chicken
Our sweet and sour chicken recipe is just what you need. With fresh and simple ingredients, you will create a dish full of flavor and color. From the crunch of the breaded chicken to the perfect balance of sweet and sour in the sauce, each component comes together to give you an unforgettable dining experience. Get ready to surprise your loved ones with this feast of flavors!
4
Portions15
minute23
minute38
minuteIngredients:
- For the Chicken
500 g chicken breasts, cut into pieces
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
- For the bittersweet
1/2 cup rice vinegar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon tomato sauce
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red pepper, cut into pieces
1 green pepper, cut into pieces
1 onion, cut into pieces
1 carrot, cut into thin slices
1 can (227 g) pineapple in its juice, cut into pieces
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Next, dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg and then into the cornstarch, making sure they are well coated.
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place it on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a large skillet or wok, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato sauce, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the mixture is hot and bubbly, add the red and green peppers, onion, and carrot. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Add the fried chicken pieces and the pineapple in its juice to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sweet and sour sauce. Cook for a few additional minutes, until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over cooked white rice or Chinese noodles, and enjoy!
Tips
- Marinated: Marinating chicken before breading and frying can add even more flavor and juiciness to the dish. You can marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic and a touch of sugar for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Crispy breading: To achieve a crispy, golden breading on the chicken, make sure to dry the chicken pieces well before dredging them in the cornstarch and beaten egg. This will help the breading layer adhere better to the chicken and fry evenly.
- Homemade sweet and sour sauce: Preparing sweet and sour sauce at home with fresh ingredients can make a big difference in the final flavor of the dish. Experiment with ratios of rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and pineapple juice to find the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.
- Fresh vegetables: Adding a variety of fresh vegetables such as peppers, onions, carrots and pineapple to the dish will not only increase its nutritional value, but will also add color and texture to the whole.
- Oil temperature control: Make sure the oil is hot but not too hot before frying the chicken. A temperature of around 175-180°C is ideal for obtaining a crispy breading without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Sauce reduction: Simmer the sauce after adding the ingredients to allow it to thicken and the flavors to blend completely. This will help the sauce adhere better to the chicken and vegetables.
- Presentation: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the sweet and sour chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Sweet and Sour Chicken and health benefits
Sweet and sour chicken, when prepared healthily, can offer several health benefits due to the fresh and nutritious ingredients used in its preparation. Here are some potential benefits:
- Lean protein source: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, meaning it is a healthy option for those looking to maintain or build muscle mass.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Depending on the vegetables used in the recipe, such as peppers, onions, and carrots, sweet and sour chicken can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals essential for proper functioning of the body.
- Low in saturated fat: If cooked properly, sweet and sour chicken can be low in saturated fat, making it a healthier option compared to other fried dishes or those high in unhealthy fats.
- Portion control: When preparing sweet and sour chicken at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and portions, allowing you to tailor it to your individual nutritional needs and control your caloric intake.
- Versatility with ingredients: You can customize the sweet and sour chicken recipe to include a variety of fresh vegetables, increasing its fiber content and essential health nutrients.
However, it is important to note that restaurant sweet and sour chicken can often be high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the excessive use of oil, added sugars, and commercial sauces. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and make healthier versions of this dish. Furthermore, it is always important to enjoy it as part of a balanced and varied diet.
History of Sweet and Sour Chicken
The origin of sweet and sour chicken is a mix of cultures and culinary traditions. Although it is popularly associated with Chinese cuisine, especially in the Westernized version of Chinese restaurants, its history is more complex.
- ancient china: The combination of sweet and sour flavors is believed to have originated in ancient China, where ingredients such as vinegar, sugar and fruits were used to create dishes balanced in flavor. However, the modern version of sweet and sour chicken as we know it today probably emerged in the West.
- Western adaptation: During the 19th century, trade exchanges between China and the West introduced new ingredients and culinary techniques to both sides. Western chefs, fascinated by the exotic flavors of Chinese cuisine, began to adapt Chinese recipes for Western tastes.
- Popularization in the West: As Chinese immigration increased in countries like the United States, sweet and sour chicken became a popular dish in Chinese-American restaurants. These dishes were often a sweeter, less spicy version of authentic Chinese dishes, adapted to suit Western tastes.
- Regional variants: Over time, sweet and sour chicken has evolved into different variants depending on region and personal preferences. For example, in some parts of Asia, such as Thailand and the Philippines, you can find local versions of sweet and sour chicken with unique ingredients and flavors.
In short, sweet and sour chicken is the result of cultural interaction between East and West, fusing ingredients and culinary techniques from both regions to create a tasty and popular dish around the world.
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Image credit: freepik
