Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry is a vibrant and flavourful Vietnamese dish that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savoury flavours. This dish combines crispy chicken, bell peppers, onions, and pineapple tossed in a delicious sweet and sour sauce. In this blog, we will guide you on how to make authentic Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry and explore its nutritional benefits.
Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating the chicken)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, green, and yellow, sliced)
- 1/2 cup onion (sliced)
- 1/4 cup carrots (julienned)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)
Step-by-Step Recipe to Make Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch, then dip them into the beaten egg.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. Add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Sweet and Sour Sauce
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir well.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the pineapple chunks and the prepared sauce to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for about 2 minutes. Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss until well coated.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry to a serving plate, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry
1. High-Protein Meal
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers, carrots, and pineapple are packed with vitamins A and C, which support immunity and skin health.
3. Boosts Digestion and Gut Health
Ginger and garlic aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve gut health.
4. Balanced Macronutrients
This dish contains a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for sustained energy.
5. Low in Calories and High in Fiber
The fresh vegetables and pineapple provide fibre, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious Vietnamese dish that combines crispy chicken with a tangy, sweet, and savoury sauce. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this quick stir-fry is packed with essential nutrients and satisfying flavours. Try making Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-fry today and enjoy the taste of Vietnam!
If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your friends and family, and let us know your favorite variation in the comments!
