Hey there, lovely folks! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings: Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls. These delightful bites are perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy night in. Let’s dive into the world of sweet and sour goodness!
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 40mins |
History of Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls have roots in Chinese cuisine, where sweet and sour flavors are cherished for their delightful contrast. While the exact origin of this dish is uncertain, it has become a popular staple in Chinese-American cuisine, loved for its irresistible combination of tangy sauce and tender chicken.
Why Choose Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or even as part of a buffet spread, these tasty treats are sure to impress. Plus, with this easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time!
What are Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls Made of?
Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls are typically made with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast that are coated in a light and crispy batter, and then fried until golden brown. The chicken is then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce made from ingredients like vinegar, sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion with every bite.
What to Have with Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal. Serve them over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty dinner, or enjoy them alongside vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
Is Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls Healthy?
While Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls are certainly delicious, they’re not the healthiest option due to their deep-fried nature and sugary sauce. However, you can make them healthier by using lean chicken breast, baking instead of frying, and opting for a homemade sauce made with natural ingredients.
Kitchen Equipment
To make Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- A deep fryer or large skillet
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for frying
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- Oil for frying
- For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sweet and sour sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less sugar and vinegar.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure crispy chicken and prevent it from absorbing too much oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls are a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior, tender chicken, and flavorful sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So why wait? Whip up a batch of these delicious bites today and enjoy a taste of Chinese-American cuisine at home!
MORE RECIPES
Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- A deep fryer or large skillet
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for frying
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1 cup water
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly in the flour mixture.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per batch.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sweet and sour sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
FAQs
- Can I make Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven before tossing it in the sauce.
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! You can use pork, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken for a tasty variation.
- Can I freeze Sweet And Sour Chicken Balls?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken balls without the sauce. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and make the sauce fresh.
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!