Wok Sweet And Sour Chicken
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp vegetables all coated in a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes that appeal to all taste buds.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place wok over high heat.
- When wok is hot, add 2 tablespoons of salad oil.
- When oil is hot, add chicken strips and pressed garlic.
- Stir-fry until chicken is opaque, about 4 minutes.
- Remove chicken from wok and set aside.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salad oil to the wok.
- When hot, add sliced onion and green pepper strips.
- Stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Return cooked chicken to the wok.
- Add sweet and sour sauce and pineapple chunks.
- Stir until the liquid boils and thickens, about 1 minute.
- Serve over a bed of cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this classic dish, try adding some diced carrots or snap peas for extra crunch. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used to speed up the cooking process. For a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the sweet and sour sauce with low-sodium soy sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes that feature vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet and sour chicken over a generous bed of cooked rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. Consider pairing it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition. This dish also goes wonderfully with other chicken recipes, such as Mammy's Chicken And Dumplings or Colorful Dragon Stir-Fry.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the sweet and sour chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for even warming, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wok Sweet And Sour Chicken contains roughly 1343 calories, with 52g protein, 239g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2415mg per serving (105% 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 another type of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked or the tofu is heated through before serving.
What can I do if I don't have sweet and sour sauce?
If you don't have sweet and sour sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts of ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar. This will mimic the sweet and tangy flavors in the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can use less sweet and sour sauce or add more vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which will balance out the flavors. Also, incorporating a splash of soy sauce can help add depth without adding sweetness.
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).