Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Shrimp With Rice
Sweet and sour chicken or shrimp combined with colorful vegetables and pineapple, served over rice for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. can pineapple chunks (packed in own juice)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) ⓘ
- water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oleo, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 carrots, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 2 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Minute rice ⓘ
- strips of cooked chicken or shrimp ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain pineapple, reserving juice, and cut pineapple into smaller chunks.
- To pineapple juice, add vinegar, soy sauce, and enough water to make 1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon liquid.
- In a skillet, melt oleo and add chopped bell pepper, garlic, carrots, green onions, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.
- Pour the prepared liquid into the skillet and stir in the rice, pineapple, and cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the mixture with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, use pre-cooked chicken or shrimp to save time. You can substitute the pineapple with diced mango for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. This dish can also be made with brown rice instead of Minute rice for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Shrimp over a bed of steamed broccoli or alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a vibrant meal. It pairs beautifully with Spanish Style Fried Rice for a hearty dinner. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Shrimp With Rice contains roughly 418 calories, with 15g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (231% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken or shrimp with tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. Ensure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the liquid.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more pineapple or a tablespoon of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Alternatively, reduce the amount of pineapple juice for a less sweet profile. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your palate.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Shrimp is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a larger batch and divide it into portions for the week. Store in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).