Ground Orange Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. It's a juicy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that's perfect for any time of the day. It's relatively easy to prepare and is sure to impress your friends and family.
Most ingredients are common pantry items except for maybe rice wine and sesame oil. Rice wine, or sake, is commonly used in Asian cuisine and it's a wonderful ingredient to have around for any oriental dishes you might want to whip up. It's available in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Sesame oil, on the other hand, is a rich, nutty oil that's also used extensively in Asian cooking. It's worth getting a bottle as it lasts a long time and can be used in many dishes.
Ingredients for Ground Orange Chicken
Ground chicken: This forms the bulk of the dish. It's easy to cook and absorbs the flavors of the ingredients well.
Ginger root: Lends a spicy, slightly sweet flavor that's characteristic of many Asian dishes.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
Hot red chili pepper: Gives the dish a bit of a kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Rice wine: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
Sesame oil: Gives a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami.
Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
White vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Orange: Its zest and juice add a fresh, citrusy note to the dish.
Water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch and to dilute the sauce if needed.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
One reader, Carlita Norris says:
This ground orange chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the orange zest adds a refreshing twist. The cooking process is straightforward, and the end result is a mouthwatering dish that my family absolutely loves. It's become a regular on our dinner menu!
Techniques Required
How to prepare the orange sauce: Combine rice wine, water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest in a bowl. Set aside.
How to dissolve cornstarch: In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining water. Set aside.
How to cook the ground chicken: In a large pan, add oil and the ground chicken. Cook until a good crust forms. Finish cooking by breaking the chicken apart with a spatula and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
How to add the flavorings: Add the ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper into the pan, then cook for about 10 seconds.
How to thicken the sauce: Add the orange sauce to the pan and bring to a boil. Then, add the cornstarch mixture to the pan and cook for just a few seconds, stirring until it thickens.
How To Make Ground Orange Chicken
Try this savory and piquant orange chicken for lunch today! The ground chicken is tossed in a flavorful sauce for a richer meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground chicken
- 1tbspginger rootminced
- 2tspgarlicminced
- ¼tsphot red chili pepper crushed
- 1tbsprice wine
- 2tbspwater
- ½tspsesame oil
- 4tspsoy sauce
- 5tbspsugar
- 5tbspwhite vinegar
- ½orangezest
- 1tbspwater
- 1tbspcornstarch
- 1tbspoil
Instructions
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Combine the rice wine, 1 tablespoon of water, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, white vinegar, and orange zest in a bowl. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1 tablespoon of water, then set aside.
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In a large pan, add 1 tablespoon oil and the ground chicken.
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Cook the chicken until a good crust forms.
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Finish cooking by breaking the chicken apart with a spatula and cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
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Add the ginger, garlic and crushed red pepper into the pan, then cook for about 10 seconds.
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Add the orange sauce, then bring to a boil.
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Add the cornstarch mixture to the pan, then cook for just a few seconds, stirring until it thickens.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 316.54kcal
- Fat: 17.25g
- Saturated Fat: 3.52g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.60g
- Carbohydrates: 18.95g
- Fiber: 0.17g
- Sugar: 15.83g
- Protein: 20.41g
- Cholesterol: 97.52mg
- Sodium: 361.11mg
- Calcium: 13.59mg
- Potassium: 638.55mg
- Iron: 1.10mg
- Vitamin A: 1.50µg
- Vitamin C: 5.00mg
Essential Technique Tip for Making Ground Orange Chicken
When cooking the ground chicken, it's important to let it form a crust before breaking it apart. This will give your dish a nice texture and added flavor. To achieve this, resist the urge to stir the chicken immediately after adding it to the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until the crust forms. Then, you can break it apart and continue cooking. This technique is often used in stir-frying to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Ground Orange Chicken
Prep ahead: Prepare the orange sauce and marinate the ground chicken in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Organize ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process and avoid last-minute searches.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, zest and juice the orange to have it ready for the sauce, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.
One-pan cooking: Use a large pan to cook the entire dish, minimizing clean-up and saving time on washing multiple pots and pans.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the post-cooking cleanup much faster and more manageable.
Substitute Ingredients For Ground Orange Chicken Recipe
ground chicken - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to ground chicken in this recipe. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that works well with the other ingredients.
ginger root - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger root. Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh ginger called for in the recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic.
hot red chili pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can be used as a substitute for hot red chili pepper. They provide heat and a touch of smokiness to the dish.
rice wine - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can be used as a substitute for rice wine. It adds a similar depth of flavor and acidity to the dish.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil. It has a similar nutty flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for stir-frying.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. Use 3/4 cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar called for in the recipe and reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar. It provides a slightly fruity and milder flavor compared to white vinegar.
orange - Substitute with tangerine: Tangerine can be used as a substitute for orange in this recipe. It offers a similar citrus flavor and sweetness.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute for cornstarch. It has similar thickening properties and is a good option for those looking to avoid corn-based products.
Best Way to Present Ground Orange Chicken
Elevate the plating: As a culinary genius, I would meticulously arrange the ground orange chicken on a pristine white plate, ensuring that each component is showcased elegantly and invitingly.
Garnish with precision: I would delicately sprinkle finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish, adding a pop of color and texture to the presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: To create visual appeal, I would consider adding a vibrant orange slice or a touch of fresh cilantro to the plate, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Utilize negative space: Embracing the concept of minimalism, I would strategically leave areas of the plate bare, allowing the dish to stand out and be the focal point.
Consider the plate shape: I would select a plate that complements the dish, perhaps opting for a sleek, modern design to enhance the contemporary feel of the ground orange chicken.
Balance and symmetry: I would ensure that the components are arranged with precision, creating a sense of balance and symmetry that is visually pleasing to the eye.
Attention to detail: Every element, from the placement of the chicken to the drizzle of the sauce, would be meticulously attended to, reflecting a commitment to culinary excellence.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.
- Grater or zester: Used to grate or zest ingredients like ginger, garlic, or citrus fruits.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing, marinating, and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: Used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
- Large pan: A wide, shallow pan used for cooking the ground chicken and sauce.
- Spatula: Used for flipping, turning, and stirring ingredients while cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurately measuring out ingredients in specific quantities.
- Small bowl: Used for dissolving the cornstarch and water mixture.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
How To Store and Freeze This Recipe
- Let the ground orange chicken cool completely before storing or freezing to prevent excess moisture and bacterial growth.
- Store leftover ground orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, portion the cooled ground orange chicken into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification and organization.
- Freeze the ground orange chicken for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality and flavor.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen ground orange chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat the thawed ground orange chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and steaming hot. Alternatively, microwave the dish in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until evenly heated.
- If the reheated ground orange chicken appears dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help restore moisture and prevent the meat from becoming tough or overcooked.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed ground orange chicken to maintain food safety and quality.
How To Reheat Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover ground orange chicken is in a skillet on the stovetop. Simply add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan, then add the chicken and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the dish.
Another option is to reheat the ground orange chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, then cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can quickly dry out in the microwave.
If you have a bit more time, you can also reheat the ground orange chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil, then bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great if you want to reheat a larger portion of the dish at once.
For a quick and easy lunch, try repurposing your leftover ground orange chicken into a wrap or sandwich. Simply reheat the chicken using one of the methods above, then wrap it up in a tortilla or place it between two slices of bread. Add some fresh vegetables or herbs for extra flavor and crunch.
If you find that your leftover ground orange chicken has dried out a bit in the fridge, try adding a splash of orange juice or chicken broth when reheating it. This will help to rehydrate the chicken and restore some of its original flavor and texture.
Random Fact about Ground Orange Chicken
The ground orange chicken recipe is a popular Chinese dish that combines the flavors of orange, ginger, and garlic with ground chicken. It is a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to traditional orange chicken. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a favorite for many. The use of ground chicken allows for quicker cooking and better absorption of the flavors. This dish is a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of orange chicken in a new and exciting form. Try making this dish for a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This ground orange chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground chicken is an affordable protein, and the other ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and orange are commonly found in households. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ground orange chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy elements:
- Ground chicken is a lean protein source
- Ginger and garlic offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Orange zest provides vitamin C and bright, fresh flavor
Unhealthy aspects:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar (5 tbsp), which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess
- Soy sauce is high in sodium, which may be a concern for those with high blood pressure or heart conditions
- The use of cornstarch as a thickener adds refined carbohydrates to the dish
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by half or more, depending on your taste preferences. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in smaller quantities.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace some of the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which are lower in sodium and contain beneficial amino acids.
- Instead of using cornstarch as a thickener, you can reduce the sauce on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. This will eliminate the need for refined carbohydrates.
- Serve the ground orange chicken over a bed of nutrient-dense vegetables like steamed broccoli, bok choy, or mixed stir-fry vegetables to increase the fiber and vitamin content of the meal.
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice as a side dish to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe
This ground orange chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of ginger, garlic, and orange creates a harmonious balance, while the hint of heat from the red chili pepper adds a tantalizing kick. The use of ground chicken provides a unique twist to the traditional orange chicken dish, making it a versatile option for various culinary creations. The cooking method ensures a perfect texture, and the sauce thickens beautifully, coating the chicken with a luscious glaze. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and flavorful experience that is sure to impress any palate.
Why trust this Ground Orange Chicken Recipe:
This ground orange chicken recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the zesty tang of orange with the savory richness of ground chicken. The carefully balanced blend of ginger, garlic, and hot red chili pepper adds depth and complexity to the dish. With a harmonious mix of rice wine, sesame oil, and soy sauce, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes. The addition of white vinegar and orange zest further elevates the dish, ensuring a tantalizing experience for the palate. Trust in this recipe for a delectable and satisfying culinary adventure.
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