Lee Lum’s Lemon Chicken Recipe
This delightful recipe for Lee Lum’s Lemon Chicken, sourced from Craig Claiborne’s New York Times Cookbook, has garnered a reputation for being one of the most exquisite dishes to grace the dinner table. With its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation, this dish is sure to impress your guests while also tantalizing your taste buds. The secret ingredient that truly elevates this dish is the whole bottle of lemon extract added at the very last moment; it’s crucial to the overall flavor profile, so do not skip this step. If you find yourself unable to procure water chestnut flour, a suitable substitute is cornstarch, although it may result in a slightly different texture. Let’s dive into the details of this savory delight.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | N/A |
| Prep Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Description | A beautifully presented chicken dish featuring vibrant flavors, with a unique lemony twist. |
| Category | Chicken Breast |
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories per Serving | 265.9 |
Ingredients
For your convenience, here’s a detailed list of the ingredients required to prepare this splendid dish, including their respective quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 8 |
| Light soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vodka or gin | 1 tablespoon |
| Water chestnut flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 3/4 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| MSG (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 |
| Carrots | 2, shredded |
| Green pepper | 1, diced |
| Green onions | 3, chopped |
| Pineapple rings | 1 can |
| Iceberg lettuce | 1 head |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving to help you track your intake while enjoying this delicious meal:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265.9 |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 68.4 mg |
| Sodium | 751.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28.8 g |
| Fiber | 2.2 g |
| Sugar | 23.4 g |
| Protein | 30.5 g |
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the preparation of Lee Lum’s Lemon Chicken. Follow these detailed steps to create a meal that will be a feast for both the eyes and the palate:
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breast halves in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, combine the light soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and your choice of gin or vodka. Pour this marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes, giving it ample time to absorb those rich flavors.
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Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to a temperature of 200°F (about 93°C). This step is crucial as it will help keep the chicken warm after frying, allowing you to serve it at the ideal temperature.
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Prepare for Dredging: After the marination period, beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl until they are frothy. Once ready, remove the chicken from the marinade, making sure to discard the leftover liquid. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Dredge the Chicken: On a plate, spread the water chestnut flour. Dredge each piece of egg-coated chicken thoroughly in the flour, ensuring a complete coating for that sought-after crispiness.
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Prepare the Serving Platter: While you’re preparing the chicken, take the iceberg lettuce and shred it finely. Arrange it attractively on a serving platter, as this will serve as the beautiful bed for your lemon chicken once it’s ready.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or electric skillet, pour in enough peanut oil to create a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (about 175°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns, it’s hot enough.
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Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil in batches. Be mindful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Brown one side of the chicken before carefully turning it to brown the other side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and drain it on paper towels. If necessary, keep the chicken warm in the preheated oven.
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Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, or after, take a small saucepan and combine the sugar, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and the cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water. If desired, add the MSG for an extra flavor kick. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your liking.
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Finish the Dish: Once the chicken has been cooked and drained, slice it crosswise into 1-inch slices using a sharp knife. Carefully place the sliced chicken attractively on top of the arranged lettuce.
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Add the Vegetables: To the thickened sauce, add the shredded carrots, diced green pepper, and any remaining pineapple rings. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon rind. Then, gently stir in the lemon extract to infuse the sauce with that signature bright flavor.
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Serve: Pour the vibrant sauce over the chicken slices, ensuring that the vegetables and pineapple are evenly distributed. Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with additional green onions if desired, and watch as your guests marvel at this stunning, flavorful creation.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Chicken
- For Extra Crispiness: To enhance the crispiness of the chicken, consider double-dredging by dipping the egg-coated chicken back into the water chestnut flour for a second coating before frying.
- Lemon Flavor: Ensure to use fresh lemons for the juice and rind to achieve the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be a substitute but lacks the vibrant zest that fresh lemons provide.
- Substitutes: If water chestnut flour is unavailable, cornstarch is a viable alternative, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
In conclusion, this recipe for Lee Lum’s Lemon Chicken stands out as a culinary delight, with its rich flavors and striking presentation that can transform any dinner into a special occasion. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a delicious meal with your family, this dish is bound to become a favorite. The balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors ensures a delightful experience, making each bite a celebration of taste. Enjoy preparing and savoring this beautiful recipe that promises to bring joy to your dining table.
