The Surprising Truth About Orange Chicken: Does It Really Use Orange Juice?
What To Know
- The orange sauce for orange chicken is typically made by combining the following ingredients in a saucepan.
- A side dish made with carrots coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
- Can I substitute orange juice for orange zest in orange chicken sauce.
Orange chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and sweet and tangy sauce. But what exactly is the secret ingredient that gives orange chicken its distinctive flavor? Does orange chicken use orange juice? Let’s embark on a culinary exploration to uncover the truth.
The Origin of Orange Chicken
Contrary to its name, orange chicken has American roots. In the 1970s, Chinese-American chefs in California experimented with combining the flavors of Chinese cooking with the sweet and sour sauces popular in American cuisine. The result was orange chicken, a dish that quickly gained popularity.
The Ingredients of Orange Chicken
Traditional orange chicken is made with the following key ingredients:
- Chicken
- Orange sauce
- Breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Egg
- Vegetable oil
Does Orange Chicken Use Orange Juice?
The answer is no. Despite its name, orange chicken does not typically use orange juice in its sauce. Instead, the characteristic orange flavor comes from a combination of other ingredients:
- Orange zest: The grated peel of an orange provides the citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Orange marmalade: A sweet and tangy preserve made from oranges adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: A thick, salty, and slightly sweet sauce adds a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty and savory base for the sauce.
How Orange Chicken Sauce is Made
The orange sauce for orange chicken is typically made by combining the following ingredients in a saucepan:
- Orange zest
- Orange marmalade
- Hoisin sauce
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice vinegar
- Water
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
The sauce is simmered until thickened and fragrant.
The Process of Making Orange Chicken
To make orange chicken, follow these steps:
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Fry chicken in hot vegetable oil until golden brown.
5. Drain chicken on paper towels.
6. Pour orange sauce over chicken and toss to coat.
Variations of Orange Chicken
While traditional orange chicken does not use orange juice, some variations may include it as an additional ingredient. These variations are less common and may not be as authentic to the original dish.
Other Uses for Orange Juice in Chinese Cooking
Although orange juice is not typically used in orange chicken, it is used in other Chinese dishes, such as:
- Orange Beef: A similar dish to orange chicken, but made with beef instead of chicken.
- Orange Shrimp: A variation of orange chicken using shrimp instead of chicken.
- Orange Glazed Carrots: A side dish made with carrots coated in a sweet and tangy orange glaze.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Why is orange chicken called orange chicken if it doesn’t use orange juice?
A: The orange flavor comes from other ingredients, such as orange zest, orange marmalade, and hoisin sauce.
Q: Can I substitute orange juice for orange zest in orange chicken sauce?
A: Yes, but it may not have the same depth of flavor as using orange zest.
Q: Can I make orange chicken without breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour or cornstarch for breadcrumbs.
Q: How do I make orange chicken crispy?
A: Double-frying the chicken helps achieve a crispy exterior.
Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: White rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables are common side dishes for orange chicken.