Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry

Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Sweet and sour chicken stir-fry is a popular and delicious dish that combines the perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a homemade version of this classic Chinese takeout dish.

History

Sweet and sour chicken stir-fry has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where the combination of sweet and sour flavors has been a staple for centuries. The dish has since become popular in Western countries, where it is often served with a variety of vegetables and meats.

Ingredients

2 tsp sesame oil
1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 0.5 inch cubes or strips
1 tsp minced garlic
1 can (15.5 oz or 439 g) pineapple chunks in unsweetened juice
1 package (1.6 oz or 45 g) no-fat brown gravy mix
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tsp grated fresh gingerroot (or 0.5 tsp ground ginger)
2 cups snow peas, washed and trimmed
3 cups hot cooked lo mein noodles, vermicelli noodles or rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a nonstick skillet.
Add chicken and garlic, and stir fry until the chicken turns white on both sides.
Meanwhile, drain the pineapple juice into a 2 cup glass measure, and add enough water to make 2 cups of liquid.
Pour 1.5 cups of the liquid into the skillet, and heat it until it boils.
Stir the gravy mix into the remaining 0.5 cup of liquid, and then stir it into the boiling mixture until it thickens.
Add pineapple, bell pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, and gingerroot.
Gently stir to combine the ingredients.
Simmer for 3 minutes, and then stir in the snow peas.
Continue simmering for 2 minutes longer, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Serve the dish over noodles or rice.

Variations

Add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.
Add more vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

- Be sure to stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from burning.

- Adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet and sour chicken stir-fry over hot cooked rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking food in a hot pan with a small amount of oil. This method helps to retain the nutrients and flavors of the ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of sesame oil.

- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast.

- Use canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh pineapple.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce and cut the vegetables ahead of time to save time when cooking the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this sweet and sour chicken stir-fry with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 6 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and sesame oil.

Summary

This sweet and sour chicken stir-fry recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Sweet and sour chicken stir-fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mabel in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Mabel was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to her culinary creations.

On that particular day, Mabel invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a glass of lemonade. As I sipped the tangy drink, she began preparing a mouth-watering sweet and sour chicken stir-fry. The aroma filled the air, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation.

I watched intently as Mabel diced the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinated it in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. She then sautéed the chicken in a hot pan until it was golden brown and crispy. The sweet and sour sauce she whipped up next was a symphony of flavors – tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and savory soy sauce.

As the stir-fry bubbled away on the stove, Mabel regaled me with the story of how she came upon the recipe. She told me that she had first tasted the dish at a Chinese restaurant in San Francisco many years ago. The flavors had captivated her, and she had spent months trying to recreate the dish at home.

After much trial and error, Mabel had finally perfected the recipe. She had shared it with her friends and family, who had all raved about it. And now, she was passing it on to me.

I couldn't wait to try the finished dish. When Mabel finally plated the sweet and sour chicken stir-fry and served it with a side of fluffy white rice, I took my first bite and was transported to a world of culinary bliss. The flavors danced on my tongue, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

From that day on, sweet and sour chicken stir-fry became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked the dish, I thought of Mabel and the day she had shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I added my own twists and variations to the dish. I experimented with different vegetables, spices, and cooking techniques. But no matter how many times I made it, the sweet and sour chicken stir-fry always remained a comforting reminder of that special day with Mabel.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing the dish for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories it evokes. The aroma of soy sauce and vinegar fills the room, and I can almost hear Mabel's laughter ringing in my ears.

I am grateful for the recipe that Mabel shared with me all those years ago. It has not only brought joy to my own family but has also become a cherished tradition that I hope to pass on for generations to come. And as I take a bite of the sweet and sour chicken stir-fry, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.