Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:
What is Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken?
Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese-American dish that consists of battered and fried pieces of chicken served with a sweet and tangy sauce. The dish is known for its distinct flavors and colorful presentation, typically featuring bell peppers, onions, and pineapple alongside the chicken.
History:
Sweet and sour chicken is part of a broader category of Chinese-American cuisine, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Chinese immigrants adapted traditional Chinese recipes to suit American tastes. The sweet and sour sauce used in this dish is believed to be inspired by traditional Chinese sweet and sour sauces but adapted to the American palate.
Components:
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used.
- Batter: A simple batter is made using flour, cornstarch, water, and seasonings to coat the chicken pieces before frying.
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: The sauce is a key component and is made from ingredients like vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and sometimes pineapple juice for extra sweetness.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks are common additions to the dish.
Steps to Prepare Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with some salt and pepper.
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Prepare the Batter: In another bowl, prepare the batter by mixing flour, cornstarch, water, and a pinch of salt until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
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Coat and Fry the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the batter, ensuring it’s well-coated, and then fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and pineapple juice (if desired). Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
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SautΓ© Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, sautΓ© bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks until they are slightly tender.
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Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken to the skillet with the sautΓ©ed vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
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Serve: Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken is typically served hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Time Needed to Prepare:
- Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Cooking time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 50-55 minutes
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on your skill level and the equipment you use, but this is a general estimate for preparing Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Protein: 25-30 grams
Health Information:
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Protein: Alexandra’s Sweet & Sour Chicken provides a good amount of protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
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Fats: While there is some fat in the dish, it’s not excessive. The batter-fried chicken contributes to this fat content. Consider using a leaner cooking method or reducing the amount of fried chicken for a healthier option.
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Sodium: The sauce and soy sauce used in the recipe can add a significant amount of sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce and limiting the amount of sauce used.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from the batter and the sugars in the sweet and sour sauce. It’s important to be mindful of your carbohydrate intake, especially if you’re managing blood sugar levels.
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Fiber: While not very high, the dish contains some dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestion.
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Vegetables: The inclusion of bell peppers, onions, and pineapple provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making the dish more nutritious.
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Added Sugars: The sweet and sour sauce typically contains added sugars. Be cautious if you’re trying to limit your sugar intake, as the dish can be relatively high in sugar.
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Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. Consider portion control if you’re monitoring your calorie intake.
Remember that the nutrition facts provided are approximate values and can vary based on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. It’s also important to balance this dish with a variety of other nutritious foods in your diet to ensure a well-rounded and healthy eating plan.
