Orange chicken, a staple of Chinese-American cuisine, has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. This dish is renowned for its crispy exterior and tender interior, all wrapped in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. While traditional recipes often rely on bottled sauces or concentrates, using fresh orange juice elevates this classic to new heights by infusing it with vibrant citrus flavors. In this article, we’ll explore how to make orange chicken using fresh orange juice as the star ingredient.
Introduction to Orange Chicken
Orange chicken typically consists of crispy fried chicken pieces tossed in an aromatic sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and—of course—orange juice or zest. The key to making exceptional orange chicken lies not only in the quality of these ingredients but also in how they are combined and cooked.
Ingredients for Homemade Orange Chicken Sauce
To create an authentic yet enhanced version of orange chicken using fresh orange juice:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 medium-sized oranges)
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic minced
– ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for some heat)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For garnish:
– Green onions
– Grated orange zest
– Sesame seeds
Preparing Crispy Fried Chicken
While the sauce is crucial for flavoring your dish, achieving that perfect crunch on your fried chicken is equally important:
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken:
– Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
– Cornstarch or potato starch
– Flour
– Eggs whisked
– Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Orange Chicken with Fresh Orange Juice
Preparing Crispy Fried Chicken:
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish mix together flour and cornstarch.
- Whisk Eggs: In another bowl whisk eggs until well combined.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip each piece into egg mixture then coat evenly with flour mixture.
- Fry Until Golden Brown: Heat about two inches deep vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Fry coated chicken pieces until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil by placing fried pieces on paper towels.
Making Homemade Orange Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients except cornstarch into a medium pot:
- Freshly squeezed orange juice,
- Brown sugar,
- Rice vinegar,
- Soy sauce,
- Grated ginger,
- Minced garlic,
- Red chili flakes if desired.
- Bring mixture to simmer over low-medium heat until slightly reduced.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk together water and cornstarch until smooth.
- Thicken Sauce: Add slurry slowly while continuously stirring; continue cooking until thickened but still pourable.
5.Add Zest & Stir: Remove from heat; stir in grated zest from one large navel or Valencia type oranges.
Combining It All Together:
6.Toss Cooked Chickens Pieces With Warm Sauce Until Well-Coated.
7.Serve Immediately Garnished With Chopped Green Onions And Additional Zest If Desired.
This recipe combines traditional techniques with modern twists by incorporating freshly squeezed juices directly into both marinades & sauces enhancing overall freshness without sacrificing depth!
Tips & Variations
While this recipe provides a solid foundation for making delicious homemade orange chicken using fresh juices here are some additional tips & variations you might enjoy experimenting with:
Spicy Kick
Add more red pepper flakes if you prefer your dishes spicier! Alternatively use sriracha within marinade/sauce mixtures adding layers beyond just chili peppers alone!
Marinades
Consider marinating raw chickens before frying them especially when opting darker meats like thighs which absorb flavors better than breast portions do!
By following these steps you can create an unforgettable dining experience right at home capturing essence true Chinese American classics while bringing freshness through every sip squeeze!