Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe π
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cantonese cuisine with this succulent Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold tastes, this dish is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, showcasing tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious sweet and sour sauce, paired with juicy mandarin orange segments, crisp snow peas, and fragrant green onions. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 453
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained (reserve 1/4 cup syrup)
- 2/3 cup sweet and sour sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh snow peas
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, stirring well to coat.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- While the chicken is marinating, drain the canned mandarin orange segments, reserving 1/4 cup of the syrup.
- In a separate bowl, blend the reserved syrup with the sweet and sour sauce until well combined. This will be used later to coat the chicken.
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Stir-fry the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a hot wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken cubes to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they are lightly browned. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
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Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same wok or skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the fresh snow peas and stir-fry for 1 minute until they are tender-crisp.
- Next, add the sliced green onions to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Combine and Cook:
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the snow peas and green onions.
- Add the sweet and sour sauce mixture to the wok, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cook, stirring continuously, until the chicken and vegetables are coated with the flavorful sauce.
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Add the Mandarin Orange Segments:
- Gently stir in the drained mandarin orange segments, allowing them to heat through for a few moments.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the wok from the heat.
- Serve the Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 453
- Total Fat: 26.4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.6g
- Cholesterol: 51.3mg
- Sodium: 318.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 13.1g
- Protein: 31.4g
Tips for Success:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks to the stir-fry.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your preference by varying the amount of sweet and sour sauce used.
- Serve the Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Ensure the wok or skillet is hot before adding the ingredients to achieve that signature stir-fry sear.
Conclusion:
With its tantalizing combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sweet and sour sauce, this Cantonese Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish offers a taste of authentic Cantonese cuisine that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures in every delicious bite! π₯’
