Trader Vic'S Pineapple Chicken
Trader Vic's Pineapple Chicken features tender chicken and sweet pineapple in a savory, tangy sauce with garlic, peppers, and carrots, perfect for a flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken, 1/2 cup chicken stock, 1/2 cup cornstarch, flour, salt, and eggs; beat well.
- Pour approximately 1-inch of vegetable oil into a wok.
- Heat the oil until almost smoking.
- Dip pineapple chunks and chicken pieces into the batter; cook a few in the hot oil at a time.
- Drain the pineapple and chicken pieces on paper towels.
- Pour off all but a thin coat of oil from the wok.
- Add garlic, green pepper, and grated carrot into the wok, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes.
- Pour in vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce into the wok.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Quickly stir in the cornstarch and chicken stock mixture.
- Cook for one minute, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and pineapple, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. If you want to add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce. For best results, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. Pair this dish with a side of Rice-Egg Drop Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pineapple Chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Crunchy Chinese Cole Slaw for a refreshing crunch. For an extra touch, serve with warm, soft tortillas to wrap the mixture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and pineapple in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Trader Vic'S Pineapple Chicken contains roughly 410 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it's best to fry the chicken and pineapple just before serving to maintain their crispiness. The sauce can be made earlier and reheated when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for chicken stock?
If you don't have chicken stock, vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that using water may result in a slightly less flavorful dish, so consider adding a bit more soy sauce or seasonings to enhance the taste.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
While Pineapple Chicken can be meal prepped, it's best to store the components separately. Keep the fried chicken and pineapple in one container and the sauce in another. This way, you can reheat them without losing the crispiness of the chicken.
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).