Sweet Sour Chicken Takeaway Taste Homemade Ease

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving that amazing sweet and sour chicken from the takeaway? Honestly, me too. But what if I told you my Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe tastes even better? Trust me, it's a proper flavour bomb of sweet, tangy, and crispy goodness!

Brief Overview

This Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Chinese originated from Cantonese cuisine, known for its vibrant sauces. Forget complicated recipes. This one's medium difficulty, takes about 50 minutes, and serves four hungry people.

Main Benefits

Making your own Homemade Chinese Food is way healthier than ordering in. You control the ingredients! Serve this up for a Friday night fakeaway or even a casual Sunday lunch.

What makes this recipe special? It’s exactly like your favorite Sweet and Sour Chicken Takeaway Style , but fresher!

Craving Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken just like your favorite takeout? This Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe does not disappoint.

Okay, now let's get down to the bits that makes this food recipe to become a family's favourite.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken

Alright, so you want to make your own Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken ? Fantastic! Let's get down to what you need.

Honestly, don't be intimidated. It's easier than you think. Skip the Sweet and Sour Chicken Takeaway Style Tonight and we're going to do it better!

Main Ingredients for a Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the essential bits, focusing on why each choice matters. I promise, it’s worth using good ingredients. It's how we get that Best Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe !

• Chicken Marinade:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are key! Trust me, they stay juicy.
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Keeps it savoury but not too salty.
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry: Adds a subtle depth.
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Fresh is always best, trust me.
  • 1 clove minced garlic: Because everything's better with garlic, right?
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper: A little kick!
  • 1 large egg: Binds it all together.
• Chicken Coating:
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (70g) cornstarch (cornflour): This is THE secret to crispy chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps with that light, airy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (700ml) vegetable oil: For frying. Go for a neutral oil.
• Sweet and Sour Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 small onion, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup (150g) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): I actually prefer canned pineapple. Shhh!
  • 1/4 cup ketchup: Don't judge! It's a classic.
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar: For that tang.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is crucial.
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Optional: Green onion (scallion) and sesame seeds for garnish

Seasoning Notes for Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Chinese

Okay, so for seasoning, remember this: balance is key. The classic Sweet And Sour Chicken Cantonese Style depends on it.

Don't be afraid to tweak the sugar and vinegar to your taste. A little ginger or garlic powder in the coating? Go for it! Some people even add a dash of Chinese five spice powder.

Equipment Needed for Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

You don’t need loads of fancy gear for Homemade Chinese Food , thank goodness!

• Large bowl: For mixing that chicken up.
• Whisk: For the sauce.
• Large skillet or wok: For frying.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer: To get the chicken out.
• Paper towels: For soaking up the oil.

If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will do just fine. A regular spoon works if you don't have a slotted one.

Just be careful! This recipe is about creating a simple, satisfying version of Chinese Food Sweet And Sour Chicken in your own kitchen.

A Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken that can be ready in under 1 hour.

Honestly, the Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken will be amazing. It’s a total game changer. So, what are you waiting for? Let's cook!

Cooking Method for Proper Tasty Sweet and Sour Chicken

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken ? I've tried so many dodgy recipes, but this one nails it.

We are talking next level Chinese Food Sweet and Sour Chicken . You know? The kind that makes you want to throw out all those takeaway menus.

Statistically, homemade versions of Chinese takeout are often lower in sodium and fat.

Prep Like a Boss: Essential Mise en Place

Right then, let's get organised! First things first, chop your chicken (1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs) into 1 inch cubes.

Mix up your marinade 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine (or sherry), 1 tsp ginger, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1 egg.

Give it a good whisk. This is essential for flavour. Having your ingredients prepped isn’t just fancy chef talk; it makes the whole process smoother.

Seriously! Don't skip this. It gives time to chicken to adsorb moisture.

Sweet and Sour Chicken step-by-step: Easy Peasy!

Okay, here's the lowdown. Follow closely!

1. Marinate : Plonk your chicken into the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes . Fridge it for up to 4 hours if you're super organised.
2. Coat : Whisk together 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Dredge each chicken piece in this mix. Get it completely covered!
3. Fry : Heat your oil (about 3 cups) in a skillet. Fry in batches at around 350° F ( 175° C) until golden brown about 5- 7 minutes a pop. Don't crowd the pan, mate!
4. Sauté : In a clean pan, lightly saute your peppers and onion (halved) .
5. Sauce Time : Mix ketchup, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and pineapple juice with peppers and onions. Simmer it all up!
6. Thicken : Mix cornstarch and water. Drizzle this slurry into the sauce, stirring until it thickens into proper Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Chinese style.
7. Combine & Cook: Add the fried chicken to the sauce and cook for 2 minutes to coat and warm.
8. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds to complete your Sweet And Sour Chicken Cantonese Style dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

• Crispy Chicken Secret: Double fry! Fry once, let cool, then fry again for extra crispy results. Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken , right there.
• Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the sauce. More sugar if you like it sweeter, more vinegar for a tang.
• Common Mistake : Overcrowding the pan during frying! You’ll end up steaming the chicken instead of frying it. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid!

And there you have it your very own Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken masterpiece. Forget the takeaway, you've got this! This is one of the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe there is.

Enjoy your Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken and be proud of your cooking!

Recipe Notes for Your Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken

Fancy a bit of Homemade Chinese Food tonight? I totally get it. Making your own Sweet And Sour Chicken Recipe Chinese is way better than ordering in.

I'm talking fresher, tastier, and you know exactly what's going into it. Think of it as Sweet and Sour Chicken Takeaway Style , but healthier.

Let's get into some notes that'll make your Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken the Best Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe on your street, no cap.

Serving Ideas That Sizzle

Right, let's talk presentation, yeah? No one wants a beige blob on a plate. Imagine a bed of fluffy steamed rice, that lovely Crispy Sweet and Sour Chicken glistening on top.

Garnish with some spring onions. Boom.

Serve with some stir fried greens like broccoli or pak choi. As for drinks, a cold Tsingtao beer is classic. You could also try a refreshing lychee martini for something a bit fancier.

Honestly, some prawn crackers are a must, right?

Storage Secrets

So, you've made a massive batch of Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe (good on you!). Now what?

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and into the fridge. They will be alright for 3-4 days . For longer storage, you can freeze it, but the chicken might lose a bit of its crispiness.

I recommend freezing it, separately, and the sauce, separately for up to 2 months .

Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the hob, till piping hot, ( more than 165° F ( 74° C) ) . If reheating from frozen, defrost it first.

Sweet And Sour Chicken Cantonese Style: Variations

Fancy a bit of a twist on the Chinese Food Sweet And Sour Chicken ? Sorted.

• gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and soy sauce. Easy peasy.

• Seasonal Swaps: Swap the pineapple for chunks of mango in the summer. Use seasonal peppers too.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's keep it real. This Quick Sweet and Sour Chicken isn't exactly health food. But Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken means you're controlling the ingredients.

It's roughly 450-550 calories per serving. Plenty of protein, and good source of vitamins from the peppers and pineapple!

Remember, Chinese Chicken Recipes can be enjoyed in moderation. It's all about balance, innit?

Now, go on, get cooking! You got this. Making your own Sweet And Sour Chicken is surprisingly rewarding. You might never order a Chinese Takeaway again.

Enjoy, and let me know how it goes!