Jake Harper
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a popular product, but it is not gluten-free. The chicken is battered in wheat, and the sauce also contains wheat and soy. However, there are copycat recipes available online that are gluten-free, aiming to recreate the bold flavors, thick orange sauce, and crispy, juicy chicken that have made the original such a crowd favorite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | No |
| Weight | 22 oz (624 g) |
| Price | $4.99 |
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What You'll Learn
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free
For those with a gluten intolerance or allergy, consuming gluten can cause an adverse reaction. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is important to read labels and ingredient lists to identify gluten-containing ingredients and avoid them if necessary.
Some people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease may be disappointed by this, as Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is a popular product. There are, however, gluten-free alternatives and recipes available. One option is to make a homemade version of the dish using gluten-free alternatives such as coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and tapioca flour for the chicken coating.
There are also other gluten-free products available at Trader Joe's. The store offers a range of gluten-free options, including snacks, meals, and baking mixes. These products provide alternatives for those who need to avoid gluten, ensuring they can still enjoy a variety of foods.
While Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken may not be suitable for gluten-free diets, there are alternatives available, both in terms of recipes and other gluten-free products offered by the store. It is important to be aware of the ingredients in food products and make informed choices to suit individual dietary needs and preferences.
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The chicken is battered in wheat flour
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free. The chicken is battered in wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. It is important to note that gluten can cause adverse effects in individuals with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance.
The presence of wheat flour in the batter gives the chicken its distinctive crispness and texture. Wheat flour is commonly used in batters due to its ability to form a cohesive coating around the chicken pieces, resulting in a crispy exterior when fried. The gluten in wheat flour also provides structure and elasticity to the batter, allowing it to adhere to the chicken and create a desirable crunchy texture.
The wheat flour batter in Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is combined with other ingredients such as cornstarch, eggs, and seasoning to create a unique flavour and texture profile. The cornstarch adds crispness and lightness to the batter, while the eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide a rich, golden colour when fried. The specific combination of wheat flour, cornstarch, and other ingredients contributes to the signature crunch and taste that has made Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken a crowd favourite.
While the wheat flour batter is a key component of the dish's appeal, it is important to recognise that gluten intolerance and coeliac disease are serious conditions that require strict gluten avoidance. For individuals with these conditions, even a small amount of gluten can trigger unpleasant symptoms. As such, it is crucial for those with gluten sensitivities to seek alternative gluten-free options or recipes that utilise different types of flours, such as tapioca flour, rice flour, or gluten-free blends.
It is worth noting that some creative home cooks have attempted to recreate Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken recipe at home, substituting wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like tapioca flour. While these gluten-free versions may not replicate the exact crispness of the original, they offer a viable option for those who are unable to consume gluten. These adaptations demonstrate the versatility of the dish and ensure that individuals with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy a similar flavour profile and dining experience.
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The sauce also contains wheat and soy
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free. The sauce, as well as the chicken batter, contains wheat and soy. The sauce is made with light and dark soy sauce, both of which contain soybeans, water, salt, and wheat flour. Wheat flour is also listed as an ingredient in the mandarin orange chicken product as a whole, indicating that it is used in the dish.
The presence of wheat and soy in the sauce means that the product is not suitable for those with gluten intolerances or allergies, or soy allergies. For those who are gluten intolerant or allergic, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including digestive issues, fatigue, skin rashes, and headaches. As such, it is important that those with gluten intolerances or allergies avoid consuming gluten, and therefore, this product.
Similarly, the presence of soy means that this product is not suitable for those with soy allergies. Soy allergy symptoms can include digestive problems, hives, and anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. It is important that those with soy allergies avoid consuming soy products, including this mandarin orange chicken.
There are, however, gluten-free alternatives to this dish. One option is to make a copycat recipe at home, using gluten-free ingredients. For example, coconut aminos can be used as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, and tapioca flour can be used to create a light, crispy coating for the chicken. This allows those with gluten intolerances or allergies to enjoy a similar dish without compromising their health.
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There is a gluten-free copycat recipe available online
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free. The chicken is battered in wheat, and the sauce also contains wheat and soy. However, there is good news for gluten-intolerant fans of the dish: a gluten-free copycat recipe is available online. This recipe uses tapioca flour to create a light, crispy coating for the chicken and to thicken the sauce. Tapioca flour can be substituted with arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Coconut aminos, a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, adds a slightly sweet and savoury flavour to the dish.
The recipe also calls for fresh oranges, maple syrup or honey, sriracha, sesame oil, grated garlic, and salt. The chicken is cut into 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes and marinated in a mixture of coconut aminos, sriracha, sesame oil, grated garlic, salt, and tapioca flour. The dish can be prepared in stages, and the chicken can be marinated for up to 12 hours or overnight. After marination, the chicken is coated in tapioca flour and fried in avocado oil, which has a high smoke point.
While this gluten-free copycat recipe may not produce the same crispy results as the original dish, it offers a similar alternative for those with gluten allergies or intolerances.
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The recipe uses tapioca flour and coconut aminos instead
Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free as it is battered in wheat and the sauce also contains wheat and soy. However, a gluten-free copycat recipe for this popular dish can be made at home. The recipe uses tapioca flour and coconut aminos instead of wheat flour and soy sauce, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerances or allergies.
Tapioca flour is derived from the cassava plant and is a popular gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It creates a light and crispy coating for the chicken and also helps to thicken the sauce. While it is the preferred flour for this recipe, arrowroot powder or cornstarch can be used as substitutes, although the results may vary slightly.
Coconut aminos, on the other hand, is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that adds a slightly sweet and savoury flavour to the dish. It is made from the sap of coconut blossoms and fermented, resulting in a liquid seasoning. While low-sodium soy sauce can be used as a substitute for coconut aminos, the added salt in the recipe should be reduced or omitted.
To make the gluten-free copycat version of Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken, cut chicken into 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes and place them in a bowl. Prepare the marinade by adding coconut aminos, sriracha, sesame oil, grated garlic, salt, and tapioca flour to the bowl of chicken. Toss to fully coat the chicken pieces, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight. After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and coat the pieces with tapioca flour.
While this recipe takes a little extra preparation time, it is worth the effort to enjoy a gluten-free version of Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken is not gluten-free. The chicken is battered in wheat and the sauce also contains wheat and soy.
Yes, there are gluten-free alternatives to this dish. There are copycat recipes available online that use gluten-free ingredients such as tapioca flour and coconut aminos.
You can buy it at your local Trader Joe's store or online through Amazon.
