Irresistible Orange Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe
Written By James Morgan
Are you craving something savory, delicious, and easy to prepare? Look no further! This orange chicken and fried rice recipe is the perfect answer to your culinary desires. Imagine juicy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce paired with flavorful fried rice that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a special treat for yourself. Let's dive into the wonderful world of culinary delight with this comprehensive recipe guide!
Ingredients for Orange Chicken
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons of water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- [Knife](https://www.amazon.com)
Ingredients for Fried Rice
- 3 cups of cooked and cooled jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of finely chopped carrots
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 chopped green onions (for garnish)
- [Rice Cooker](https://www.amazon.com)
Preparing the Orange Chicken
Marinating and Coating the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of soy sauce. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This helps to infuse the chicken with flavor, ensuring each bite is packed with taste. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rest of your ingredients. Make sure to finely mince the garlic and ginger, as these will give your orange sauce an aromatic depth of flavor that is truly irresistible.
Cooking the Chicken
After marinating, coat each piece of chicken evenly with cornstarch. This will create a crispy outer layer when fried, adding a delightful crunch to your orange chicken. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Making the Orange Sauce
Now, let's move on to the star of the dishthe orange sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the boiling sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should only take a few minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the fried chicken pieces, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Preparing the Fried Rice
Cooking the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the carrots and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, making sure not to let it burn. Finally, add the frozen peas and stir to combine all the vegetables.
Scrambling the Eggs
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Allow the eggs to cook for a few seconds without stirring, then scramble them with a spatula, integrating them into the vegetable mixture. This ensures that you get bits of egg throughout your fried rice, which adds a delicious richness to the dish.
Combining the Fried Rice Ingredients
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice, stirring to evenly distribute the sauces. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the rice is heated through and well-coated with sauces, remove it from the heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions
Plate the orange chicken atop a generous serving of fried rice, garnishing with additional green onions and sesame seeds. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding orange zest or slices of fresh orange on the side. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the dish. Serve hot and enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends.
Essential Cookware and Cleaners
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