Introduction
Sweet and sour chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a flavorful sauce that balances sweetness and tanginess. This recipe not only captures the essence of this popular dish but also offers a homemade alternative that is sure to impress your family and friends. The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a perfect addition to any dinner table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Chicken breast: 500 grams
– Pineapple chunks: 200 grams
– Bell peppers: 1 red and 1 green, diced
– Onion: 1 medium, sliced
– Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
– Soy sauce: 4 tablespoons
– Ketchup: 3 tablespoons
– Sugar: 2 tablespoons
– Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
– Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
– Water: 150 ml
– Salt and pepper: to taste
– Oil: for frying
Prep Time
The preparation of the sweet and sour chicken takes approximately 15 minutes. During this time, you’ll need to chop the vegetables and prepare the chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking time for this dish is around 20 minutes, making the total time for preparation and cooking approximately 35 minutes. This recipe yields enough sweet and sour chicken to serve 4 people, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a bit of soy sauce.
Step 2: Coating the Chicken
In a bowl, mix three tablespoons of cornstarch. Coat the seasoned chicken pieces thoroughly in the cornstarch.
Step 3: Frying the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
In the same pan, add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté until softened. Then, pour in a mixture of ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Combining Chicken and Sauce
Return the fried chicken to the pan. Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce until they are completely coated. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serving the Dish
Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, alongside steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting Sweetness
You can adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce according to your preference for sweetness.
Note 2: Vegetable Options
Feel free to add other vegetables such as pineapple or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat before serving.