Sweet and Sour Chicken
1 pound of boneless chicken breast or thighs cut in cubes
1 cup of cornstarch
1 tsp Ginger powder
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Five Chinese Spice
1/2 tsp salt
1 yellow, red or green bell pepper largely diced
1/2 yellow onion largely diced
Neutral oil to fry chicken
Sauce
1/2 cup of ketchup
2 tbsp white vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
*Crushed red pepper optional
Heat oil to 350 degrees on a wok/pan.
Mix cornstarch, ginger, garlic , five Chinese spice and salt. Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch and coat all pieces.
Fry chicken in small batches until crispy and set aside. Pour remaining oil in a heat resistant container.
Using the same wok/pan on a medium heat add onion and bell pepper and cook until fragrant. Add sweet and sour sauce and chicken toss until sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot!
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a beloved dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a tangy and sweet sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. When making this dish, it's important to use boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. The coating made with cornstarch, ginger powder, garlic powder, five-spice powder, and salt gives the chicken pieces a crispy outer texture and a fragrant, savory note. Using neutral oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying is essential because these oils have high smoke points, allowing the chicken to fry perfectly crispy without burning. Heating the oil to approximately 350°F ensures the chicken cooks quickly while becoming golden and crunchy. The sauce, a harmonious blend of ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, cornstarch, and water, thickens beautifully as it cooks. The ketchup adds sweetness and acidity, while the vinegar lends the iconic tang of sweet and sour dishes. Brown sugar enhances the caramel notes, and adding optional crushed red pepper can introduce a subtle spicy kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Cooking the yellow or red bell peppers and onions until fragrant before adding the sauce adds depth and freshness to the dish. Tossing the chicken in this luscious sauce just before serving allows the flavors to coat the chicken without losing its crispiness. To elevate this classic recipe, consider serving it over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the delectable sauce. You can also add pineapple chunks for a fruity twist that many enjoy in sweet and sour dishes. This homemade version of sweet and sour chicken is not only tasty but also customizable and healthier compared to many takeout options, as you control the ingredients and cooking methods. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe can bring authentic Asian flavors right to your kitchen, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
