Introduction
Many of us love the tangy sweetness of sweet and sour chicken, but the traditional deep-frying method might not always be the healthiest option. However, fear not! There’s a simple way to make delicious sweet and sour chicken without deep-frying. In this article, we’ll explore a recipe that brings out all the flavors you love without the need for deep-frying. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then coat evenly with cornstarch.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until it starts to bubble.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the sweet and sour chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet and sour chicken!
Conclusion
Making sweet and sour chicken at home without deep-frying is easier than you might think. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of this classic dish without any of the guilt. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Sweet and sour chicken has never been easier or tastier!