The Secret To Making The Best Orange Chicken With White Rice – You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is!
What To Know
- Orange chicken, a tantalizing dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies worldwide, is a symphony of flavors that combines the tangy zest of oranges with the savory allure of chicken.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water to create a cornstarch slurry.
- While the chicken is frying, in a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper.
Orange chicken, a tantalizing dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of foodies worldwide, is a symphony of flavors that combines the tangy zest of oranges with the savory allure of chicken. Paired with fluffy white rice, it creates a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your taste buds to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a step-by-step journey to unravel the secrets of crafting this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
#Orange Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound)
- Orange zest (from 2 oranges)
- Orange juice (1/2 cup)
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup)
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Ginger powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
- Canola oil (for frying)
#White Rice:
- White rice (1 cup)
- Water (2 cups)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions:
#Orange Chicken:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2. Create the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
3. Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water to create a cornstarch slurry. Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat it in the cornstarch slurry.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is frying, in a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
#White Rice:
1. Rinse the Rice: In a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the Rice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Assembly:
To assemble the dish, place a generous portion of fluffy white rice on a plate. Top with the crispy orange chicken and drizzle with the savory orange sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips:
- For a crispier chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the cornstarch slurry.
- To make the orange sauce ahead of time, prepare it and let it cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- If you don’t have orange zest, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of orange extract.
- Serve the orange chicken with your favorite sides, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls.
Variations:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a touch of heat.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before frying for a nutty flavor.
- Honey Orange Chicken: Substitute honey for brown sugar in the orange sauce for a sweeter twist.
Conclusion:
Mastering the art of making orange chicken with white rice is a culinary achievement that will impress your family and friends alike. By following these step-by-step instructions and embracing the tips and variations, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken for?
A: You can marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
Q: Can I make the orange sauce in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with orange chicken include steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, egg rolls, or fried rice.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.