Orange Chicken Stir-Fry

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of orange with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry is a popular dish that originated in Chinese cuisine. It is a modern twist on traditional stir-fry dishes, incorporating the bright and citrusy flavor of oranges. This dish has become a favorite in many households due to its delicious taste and simple preparation.

Ingredients

0.5 cup orange juice
2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp dry sherry
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp grated orange peel
1 clove garlic, minced
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
3 cup mixed fresh vegetables, such as green bell pepper, red bell pepper, snow peas, carrots, green onions, mushrooms and/or onions
1 tbsp cornstarch
0.5 cup unsalted cashew bits or halves
3 cup hot cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large glass bowl, combine orange juice, 1 tbsp oil, soy sauce, garlic, sherry, ginger, orange peel, and garlic. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Drain the chicken and reserve the marinade.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until the chicken is lightly browned. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Combine cornstarch and the reserved marinade; add to the skillet and stir until the sauce boils and thickens. Stir in cashews and cook for 1 minute more. Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
Experiment with different sauces or seasonings to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a high heat when stir-frying the chicken and vegetables to ensure that they cook quickly and retain their crisp texture.

- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should be crisp-tender for the best texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Orange Chicken Stir-Fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking small pieces of food in a hot pan or wok. This method allows the ingredients to retain their texture and flavor while cooking evenly and quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use orange zest instead of grated orange peel for a stronger citrus flavor.

- Substitute almonds or peanuts for cashews if desired.

- Replace the dry sherry with white wine or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows you to save time on meal preparation and have a delicious meal ready to go when you need it.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Orange Chicken Stir-Fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange slices for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. A glass of white wine or a cold beer can also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

380

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains soy and nuts (cashews)

Summary

This Orange Chicken Stir-Fry is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Orange Chicken Stir-Fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful option for any occasion. Enjoy the bright and citrusy flavors of this dish with your family and friends today!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Orange Chicken Stir-Fry. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret in her quaint little kitchen. Margaret was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and dishes. As we chatted over a cup of tea, she mentioned a recipe she had recently come across in a magazine for Orange Chicken Stir-Fry.

Intrigued by the combination of sweet and tangy flavors, I asked Margaret if she would mind sharing the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and began to gather the ingredients. As she chopped vegetables and marinated the chicken, she shared with me the story of how she had first discovered this recipe.

Margaret had been on a trip to Asia a few years ago and had fallen in love with the vibrant and bold flavors of the cuisine. She had spent hours wandering through local markets, sampling street food, and learning from local chefs. It was during her time in a small restaurant in Beijing that she had first tasted Orange Chicken Stir-Fry.

The dish had been a revelation to her - the tender chicken, the crisp vegetables, and the zesty orange sauce all coming together in perfect harmony. She had watched the chef prepare the dish with such skill and precision, and had been determined to recreate it at home.

As Margaret finished cooking the dish, the aroma of the orange sauce filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation. She served up a steaming bowl of the stir-fry, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The first bite was a burst of flavor - the sweetness of the orange, the heat of the chili, and the savory chicken all mingling on my taste buds.

I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew that Orange Chicken Stir-Fry would become a staple in my own kitchen. I asked Margaret for a copy of the recipe, and she gladly obliged. As I left her house that day, I promised her that I would make the dish for my family and friends, spreading the joy of this delicious recipe far and wide.

Over the years, I have made Orange Chicken Stir-Fry countless times, tinkering with the ingredients and perfecting the balance of flavors. I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted the dish and asked for the secret behind its deliciousness.

Each time I make Orange Chicken Stir-Fry, I am transported back to that sunny day in Margaret's kitchen, the scent of orange and soy sauce filling the air, the laughter and conversation flowing easily. It is a dish that brings people together, that warms the soul and delights the senses.

I have since added my own twists to the recipe - a dash of ginger here, a sprinkle of sesame seeds there. But the essence of the dish remains the same - a celebration of bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.

As I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Orange Chicken Stir-Fry, I can't help but smile. The memories of that day with Margaret, the taste of the dish on my tongue, the joy of sharing it with others - all of it comes flooding back to me.

And so, I will continue to make Orange Chicken Stir-Fry, passing down the recipe to future generations, sharing the story of how this dish came into my life and became a beloved part of my culinary repertoire. For food is not just sustenance - it is a connection to the past, a link to the present, and a gift to be shared with those we love.