Sweet And Sour Chicken("For The Wok")
Sweet and sour chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a tangy sauce with colorful peppers, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal with vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp dry sherry ⓘ
- 1 tsp sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 3 lb chicken breast, skinned, boned and cut into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 c red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 c chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c reserved pineapple juice ⓘ
- 1/4 c sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 c ketchup ⓘ
- 3 c vegetable oil
- 1/2 c flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the beaten egg, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, dry sherry, sesame oil, and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and stir to coat.
- Refrigerate the chicken mixture for half an hour.
- Dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in the red wine vinegar.
- Combine the vinegar mixture with chicken broth, pineapple juice, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce. Set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, which will enhance the flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch in the vinegar mixture. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for red wine vinegar if needed. For added crunch, toss in some water chestnuts or use frozen stir-fry vegetables for convenience. This recipe also works well with leftovers from other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet and Sour Chicken over fluffy steamed rice or with house fried rice for a complete meal. For a refreshing contrast, pair it with a side of lightly sautéed broccoli or a crisp salad. This dish also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps, adding a fresh crunch. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside braised shrimp with vegetables for a delightful mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Sweet and Sour Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid prolonged heating to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken("For The Wok") contains roughly 1116 calories, with 6g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2515mg per serving (109% 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 use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate a variety of vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to enhance the dish's color and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also browse more Chinese recipes to find other vegetable combinations that appeal to you.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that the cornstarch and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without worrying about gluten.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply fry the chicken and combine with the sauce for a quick and easy meal.
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).