Sweet and Sour Chicken
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/2 tsp salt (i use himalayan salt)
- 2 tbsp tapioca starch
- 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 550g | 19 patted dry and cut into bite size chunks
- 1/2 green bell pepper seeded and cut into large chunks
- 1 small onion cut into large chunks
- 1 -14 oz (398ml) can pineapple chunks drained (save the juice)
- generous sprinkle of salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) light chicken stock
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple chunks)
- 1/4 cup (120 ml) unpasteurized honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
- Carbohydrate 1.23272152768009 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.82287754276697 g
- Fiber 0.320400296531998 g
- Protein 0.426782794344055 g
- Saturated Fat 0.976128364790332 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (33g)
- Sodium 349.324545337135 mg
- Sugar 0.912321231148092 g
- Trans Fat 0.309131875419224 g
- Calories 66 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce, except for the tapioca starch.
- Heat the olive oil (or other healthy cooking fat of your choice) in a large wok or skillet set over high heat.
- When the pan is nice and hot, add the pieces of chicken, sprinkle them generously with salt and let the meat cook until it gets nice and golden all around, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, add the bell peppers and onions and continue cooking for about 1 minute, until the veggies are just slightly softened and fragrant; throw in the drained pineapple chunks and mix well.
- Whisk the tapioca starch in the sauce and then pour it into the skillet.
- Bring to a full boil, stirring continuously until the sauce is thickened, then remove from heat and serve with a side of steamed rice, garnished with a pinch of finely chopped green onions, if desired.
Sweet and Sour Chicken: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. But I’ve discovered that with a little planning and the right recipes, creating satisfying dinners doesn't have to be a major production. This sweet and sour chicken recipe is my go-to for those evenings when I need a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The vibrant sweet and sour sauce is incredibly easy to whip up, combining readily available ingredients to create a tangy and satisfying taste experience. The chicken cooks quickly, ensuring a tender and juicy result. I love the combination of sweet pineapple, crunchy bell peppers, and savory chicken; it’s a delicious balance that always pleases even the pickiest eaters in my family. Plus, the leftovers are just as good the next day, making it a perfect meal-prep option.
What makes this recipe truly special, however, isn't just its speed and taste. It’s the versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or even snow peas would be fantastic additions. You can also adjust the sweetness and sourness levels to suit your preference – a bit more honey for extra sweetness, or a splash more rice vinegar for a sharper tang. The recipe is a fantastic template that allows for culinary creativity within a short timeframe. It’s a recipe that has quickly become a staple in our weekly dinner rotation, offering a delightful escape from the usual dinnertime struggles.
Beyond the Dinner Table: This isn't just a quick weeknight dinner; it's also a wonderful option for potlucks and casual gatherings. The bright colors and enticing aroma will certainly draw attention and make a positive impression on your guests. The sweet and sour chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and visually appealing, making it a perfect dish to share. It's adaptability means you can easily scale the recipe up or down to fit the size of your gathering.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Marinate the chicken (optional): While not essential, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Feel free to experiment with the amount of honey and rice vinegar to achieve your desired level of sweetness and sourness.
- Serve it up: Serve this delightful dish over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
This sweet and sour chicken recipe is more than just a dinner; it's a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy, and easy meals are entirely achievable, even on the busiest of days. So go ahead, try it out, and let the aromas and flavors transport you to a moment of culinary peace amidst the chaos of everyday life. It's a small act of self-care that yields incredibly delicious results – a true win-win for any busy individual or family.
The wonderful thing about this recipe is its adaptability. It truly embodies the spirit of cooking, allowing for adjustments and improvisation without compromising the final product's deliciousness. So feel empowered to experiment with this recipe, making it your own and sharing it with others. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore, and this recipe, with its simple yet effective techniques and mouth-watering flavor profile, is sure to bring a smile to your face and satisfaction to your palate.
