Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Orange Chicken & Yuuki

Even in the midst of a snow fall, Yuuki must SMELL EVERY.THING. 

The kids love Panda Express' Orange Chicken.  Eating out is expensive out here. Our budget is much less than previously. I have been trying to find something they'd like as well as Panda Express Orange Chicken. The first two tries were bombs (one just the PE sauce sold in stores - NOT THE SAME), the other a recipe from the internet.

THIS recipe from Dinner Then Dessert is a hit! I've made it as written. I don't like all the hassle of frying, so this last time I simply baked the chicken and cubed it up - rather than all the coating and frying. The kids said they like it best fried, but this was great too..... I'm putting this here so I don't have to click through Google for 30 min each time I want to make Orange Chicken.





Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN:

  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 2 tbsp oil divided, plus more for frying
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup flour

FOR THE SAUCE:

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 10 tablespoons sugar
  • 10 tablespoons white vinegar
  • zest of 1 orange

TO FINISH:

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ginger root minced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp hot red chili pepper crushed

Instructions

  1. To make the sauce combine the 1 tablespoon cornstarch, rice wine, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar and orange zest.
  2. To coat the chicken add the egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil into a bowl and whisk together in a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, add 1/2 cup corn starch and flour and mix well.
  4. In a large frying pan or a wok, heat oil in a wok 375 degrees.
  5. Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture.
  6. Fry the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and crisp.
  7. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining chicken.
  8. When you are done with the chicken, drain most of the oil from the pan (leave about a tablespoon).
  9. Add the ginger, garlic and crushed red peppers, cooking for about 10 seconds.
  10. Add the orange sauce and bring to boil
  11. Turn off the heat, and add cooked chicken and stir until well mixed.