Secret revealed! how to make irresistible orange chicken at home (moribyan)

Are you craving a tantalizing Asian delicacy that will ignite your taste buds? Look no further than Moribyan’s Orange Chicken, a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant flavors of sweet, tangy, and savory. This blog post will unveil the secrets to creating this iconic dish, empowering you to recreate the restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

The key to Moribyan’s Orange Chicken lies in the careful selection of ingredients that harmonize perfectly. Gather the following:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Moribyan’s Orange Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, baking powder, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Orange Sauce

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

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

• Add the fried chicken to the orange sauce and stir to coat.
• Cook over medium heat for an additional 3-5 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 garnish with fresh orange slices and scallions (optional).
• Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfection: Enhancing the Flavor

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, substitute with white vinegar.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
• Serve the Orange Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Variations: Exploring Different Flavors

• Sesame Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds to the orange sauce.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter sauce.
• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of Sriracha sauce to the orange sauce.
• Teriyaki Orange Chicken: Replace the soy sauce in the orange sauce with teriyaki sauce.

Nutritional Information: A Balanced Choice

One serving of Moribyan’s Orange Chicken (1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams

The Bottom Line: A Culinary Triumph

Moribyan’s Orange Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that delivers a burst of flavors. By following the detailed instructions and experimenting with different variations, you can create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this tantalizing dish that will leave them craving for more.

Common Questions and Answers

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. However, thighs tend to be fattier, so you may need to drain off excess fat after frying.

2. How do I store the Orange Chicken?

Store the Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

3. Can I make the Orange Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Orange Chicken ahead of time by cooking the chicken and making the sauce separately. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce and combine them.

4. How do I make the Orange Chicken gluten-free?

To make the Orange Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

5. Can I bake the Orange Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the Orange Chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Then, combine the chicken with the orange sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes.