Lucas Delgado
Chinese orange chicken is an American Chinese dish of fried chicken coated in a sweet, mildly spicy, and orange-flavoured sauce. The sauce is made using a variety of ingredients, but the key question is: does it include orange juice?
The answer is yes. Orange juice is a key ingredient in Chinese orange chicken, along with other ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch. While the sauce is meant to be sweet and tangy, the key to achieving an intense orange flavour is not just the orange juice but also the addition of orange zest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Orange juice | Fresh or store-bought |
| Other ingredients | Vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red chilli flakes, orange zest, chicken stock, cornstarch, scallions |
| Origin | Hunan, China (as "tangerine chicken") |
| Variations | Orange peel chicken, orange-flavoured chicken, tangerine chicken |
| Taste | Sweet and sour |
| Preparation | Chicken is dredged in egg and cornstarch/flour mixture, then fried |
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What You'll Learn
Orange chicken recipes vary
Orange chicken is a popular Chinese takeout dish of fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy orange-flavoured sauce. While the dish is commonly associated with the American fast-food chain Panda Express, it is rarely found in Chinese restaurants in China.
There are many ways to make orange chicken, and recipes vary depending on the chef and their interpretation of the dish. Some recipes call for boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, while others suggest using chicken wings. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces before being dredged in a mixture of whisked eggs, cornstarch, and flour, then fried until golden and crispy.
The orange sauce is made with a combination of orange juice, vinegar, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red chili flakes, and orange zest. Some recipes include additional ingredients such as chicken stock, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, or dried tangerine peel. The sauce is cooked over medium-high heat until it thickens, and then it is tossed with the fried chicken.
Some variations of the recipe include a vodka-spiked marinade for the chicken, while others suggest using rice flour or gluten-free flour for the dredging mixture. The level of spiciness can also be adjusted by adding more or less red chili flakes or even sriracha.
The dish is typically served with white rice and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and additional orange zest. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and frozen for up to three months.
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Orange juice is key to the sauce
While orange chicken is an American Chinese dish of fried chicken in a sweet orange-flavoured chilli sauce glaze, the key to achieving that distinct orange flavour is not just the orange juice. However, orange juice is still a key ingredient in the sauce. The sauce is made by combining orange juice with other ingredients such as vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This mixture is then cooked over medium-high heat until it thickens, creating a sweet and sticky glaze for the chicken.
The use of orange juice in the sauce is what gives the dish its characteristic orange flavour and aroma. Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred by some, while others opt for store-bought orange juice. The type of orange juice used can vary depending on personal preference and availability.
In addition to orange juice, orange zest is another crucial component in enhancing the orange flavour. The zest, which is the outer colourful part of the orange peel, contains essential oils that provide a concentrated orange flavour. By adding orange zest to the sauce, the orange flavour becomes more pronounced and vibrant.
The combination of orange juice and zest creates a well-rounded and robust orange flavour profile. The juice provides the primary citrus taste, while the zest amplifies and intensifies the citrus notes. This dynamic duo of ingredients ensures that the orange chicken has a bright and tangy flavour that is both recognisable and appealing.
While orange juice and zest are essential to the sauce, other ingredients can also be added to create a balanced and delicious sauce. Some recipes include garlic, ginger, red chilli flakes, and soy sauce. These ingredients contribute to the overall flavour profile, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. By customising the amounts and combinations of these ingredients, chefs can create unique variations of orange chicken.
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Orange zest is also important
While orange chicken typically includes orange juice in its recipe, orange zest is also an important ingredient. Orange zest is the thin, colourful outer layer of the orange peel, which contains essential oils that give the orange its distinctive flavour and aroma. By adding orange zest to the dish, you can enhance the orange flavour and add a bright, citrusy note to the sauce.
The process of zesting involves grating or finely chopping the orange peel to release these oils and create a concentrated form of orange flavour. This zest can then be added to the sauce, infusing it with a vibrant, tangy taste. The zest not only boosts the orange flavour but also adds a subtle bitterness that helps balance the sweetness of the dish.
In Chinese orange chicken, the combination of orange juice and zest creates a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other dishes. The sweetness of the orange juice is complemented by the zest's bitterness, resulting in a complex and intriguing taste sensation. The zest also adds a subtle texture to the sauce, giving it a slight grittiness that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish.
Additionally, orange zest can provide a colourful and attractive garnish for the dish. Finely grated orange zest can be sprinkled on top of the chicken before serving, adding a pop of bright orange colour that makes the dish visually appealing. This technique not only enhances the presentation but also ensures that each bite contains a burst of fresh orange flavour.
When preparing orange zest for Chinese orange chicken, it is important to use fresh, high-quality oranges to ensure the most flavourful and aromatic zest. The zest should be finely grated to ensure it incorporates well into the sauce and provides a smooth, even texture. By paying attention to the quality and preparation of the orange zest, you can elevate the dish and take its flavour to the next level.
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![Easy Chinese orange sauce (Panda Express) 1 this [parallel import goods]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dI4tD7TUL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Fresh vs. store-bought orange juice
Chinese orange chicken is a delicious dish made with boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, dredged, and then fried until golden and crispy. The star of the dish is the sweet and spicy orange sauce, which is made with orange juice, vinegar, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, red chili flakes, and orange zest. This sauce is what gives the dish its signature flavour and aroma.
Now, let's talk about the key ingredient in this sauce: orange juice. When it comes to orange juice, there are two main options—freshly squeezed juice and store-bought juice. Both have their own advantages and unique qualities.
Freshly squeezed orange juice is made by simply juicing oranges at home. It is as pure and natural as it gets. Fresh orange juice is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains beneficial antioxidant polyphenols, digestive enzymes, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, magnesium, potassium, and more. These nutrients offer a range of health benefits, including boosting your immune system, regulating blood sugar and insulin levels, supporting a healthy digestive system, and even acting as an anti-aging collagen booster. The high vitamin C content in fresh orange juice also provides antimicrobial properties, which can help protect against potential pathogens.
However, it's important to note that fresh orange juice has a relatively short shelf life and needs to be consumed within a few hours to avoid spoilage. It also requires some effort to prepare at home, from washing and juicing the oranges to ensuring proper sanitation to avoid bacteria.
On the other hand, store-bought orange juice offers convenience and a longer shelf life. Most store-bought orange juices undergo pasteurization, which involves treating the juice with high heat to kill potential pathogens. While this process does destroy some of the heat-sensitive nutrients like enzymes, manufacturers often add back vitamin C to compensate for the loss. Store-bought orange juice is also available in a variety of formulations, including options with or without pulp, catering to different preferences and texture desires.
In the context of Chinese orange chicken, either freshly squeezed or store-bought orange juice can be used. Freshly squeezed orange juice will impart a brighter, more vibrant flavour and may offer a more pronounced citrus aroma. Store-bought orange juice, on the other hand, can be a convenient option that still contributes the essential orange flavour to the dish. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference, availability, and the desired level of convenience.
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Other ingredients in the sauce
Chinese orange chicken is a popular dish with a sweet and tangy flavour. While the star of the show is, of course, the orange, there are several other ingredients that come together to make the sauce.
The base of the sauce is usually a combination of orange juice and zest, with the juice providing a fresh citrus flavour and the zest adding a more concentrated orange taste. This is mixed with a variety of other liquids, including soy sauce, vinegar, and chicken stock or water. The vinegar adds a tangy flavour without an overpowering vinegar taste or smell, while the chicken stock or water helps to thin out the sauce and create a smoother consistency.
To add some sweetness to the sauce, brown sugar is often used, although honey can be a healthier substitute. The sauce also typically includes spices such as garlic, ginger, and black pepper, with fresh ingredients preferred over dried alternatives. For those who like their food spicy, cayenne pepper or chilli flakes can be added, along with dried chilli peppers, star anise, and dried tangerine peel for an extra kick.
Finally, cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give the sauce a thicker consistency and a glossy appearance. This is mixed with a small amount of water or chicken stock to create a slurry, which is then gradually added to the sauce while stirring constantly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chinese orange chicken is made with orange juice. The dish is a combination of fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and mildly spicy orange sauce.
Orange chicken is an American Chinese dish. Chef Andy Kao claims to have developed the original Chinese-American recipe at a Panda Express in Hawaii in 1987.
Tangerine chicken is a traditional Hunan dish that uses tangerine in the recipe. In American Chinese restaurants, tangerine was replaced by fresh orange peel or no orange at all. Tangerine chicken is spicy, while orange chicken is sweet and sour.
