Discovering the Best Orange Chicken in China: A Food Adventure

Written by on in Dinner, Recipes

As a food lover, I love to try new dishes and explore different cuisines whenever I travel. On a recent trip to China, I had the pleasure of trying one of the country’s most popular dishes: orange chicken. And let me tell you, the orange chicken I had was unlike any I had ever tasted before.

This dish is a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, but the version I tried in China was a far cry from the Americanized version we’re used to. Instead of being deep-fried, the chicken was stir-fried to perfection, giving it a crispy texture that contrasted perfectly with the sweet and tangy orange sauce.

The sauce was the star of the show. It was made with freshly squeezed orange juice, which gave it a bright, citrusy flavor, and a blend of spices, including ginger and garlic, that added depth and complexity. The sauce was sweet, but not too sweet, and had just the right balance of acidity and heat to make it irresistible.

Here’s my attempt at recreating this delicious orange chicken dish at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
  3. In another small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
  4. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. Add the orange juice mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  6. Add the chicken back to the pan and toss to coat with the sauce. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds, if desired.
  7. Serve the orange chicken over rice or with your favorite Asian-style noodles.

This orange chicken dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the rich, sticky sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, and a reminder of the delicious food adventure I had in China. So, next time you’re looking for a new recipe to try, give this orange chicken a shot. You won’t be disappointed!