Whip up restaurant-quality orange chicken at home: our foolproof hoisin sauce recipe

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with this delectable orange chicken recipe infused with the rich flavors of hoisin sauce. This dish seamlessly blends the tangy sweetness of oranges with the savory umami of hoisin, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Garnish:

• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the fried chicken pieces back to the saucepan and stir to coat them evenly in the sauce.
• Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
• Sweet and Sour Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle additional sesame seeds over the chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little bit of water or orange juice to thin it out.
• Serve the orange chicken immediately for the best taste and texture.

Orange Chicken with Hoisin Sauce: A Culinary Delight

This orange chicken recipe with hoisin sauce is a culinary masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palate. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a delicious meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use honey instead of brown sugar in the sauce?
A: Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar. However, it may make the sauce slightly sweeter.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Steamed broccoli or stir-fried snap peas make excellent accompaniments.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the orange chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, it’s best to fry the chicken just before serving for optimal crispiness.