Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to make the most delicious fried rice and orange chicken! In this article, we will take you through step-by-step instructions to create a mouth-watering combination of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this guide is perfect for you. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make the perfect fried rice and orange chicken!
Section 1: The Ingredients
To begin our culinary journey, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need to make fried rice and orange chicken. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for each dish:
Fried Rice Ingredients:
- Cooked medium grain white rice (3 cups)
- Oil (2 tablespoons, divided)
- Eggs (2, beaten well)
- Diced onion (1/2 cup)
- Diced carrots (1/2 cup)
- Diced celery (1/3 cup)
- Bean sprouts (1 cup)
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup)
- Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
Orange Chicken Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2)
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh orange juice (1 cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons)
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Rice wine vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Orange zest strips (3 strips, 1″ wide by 2″ tall)
- Lightly packed brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Fresh minced ginger (1/2 teaspoon)
- Minced garlic (2 cloves)
- Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Dried red chilies (4 whole, broken in half)
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, for the slurry)
- Water (2 tablespoons, for the slurry)
Section 2: Preparing the Orange Chicken
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s begin by preparing the orange chicken. Follow these simple steps:
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about an inch of vegetable or canola oil to about 375F. Preheat the oven to 250F.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken chunks and seal the bag. Toss to coat the chicken completely.
- Add the coated chicken to the hot oil in two or three batches. Cook until lightly golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet and keep it warm in the oven.
- In a saucepan, combine the water, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and dried red chilies. Stir to combine. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce reduce by 1/3.
- In a small bowl, prepare the slurry by combining the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the sauce and whisk until the sauce thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Heat the orange sauce over medium-low heat until hot, then add the chicken pieces. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Section 3: Cooking the Fried Rice
Now that our orange chicken is ready, let’s move on to preparing the fried rice. Follow these steps to create a delectable side dish:
- In a large skillet, add 1 teaspoon of oil over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the beaten eggs. Allow them to cook until they become firm on the bottom. Gently flip the eggs and cook for an additional twenty seconds, or until they are cooked through but not brown. Remove the eggs from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Cut the eggs into strips.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Once it shimmers, add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and bean sprouts and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine it with the sautéed vegetables. Add the egg strips and the light soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Heat the fried rice over medium-low heat until hot. Serve it alongside the orange chicken for a perfect combination of flavors.
Section 4: Plating and Serving
Now that both the orange chicken and fried rice are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate and serve your delicious creation. Here are some tips to make your dish even more appealing:
- Use a large serving platter or individual plates to present your orange chicken and fried rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for added color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
- Don’t forget to have a bowl of soy sauce or hot sauce on the table for those who like an extra kick of flavor.
Section 5: Tips and Variations
To make your fried rice and orange chicken truly unique, here are some tips and variations you can try:
- Add diced pineapple to the orange chicken sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Experiment with different vegetables in the fried rice, such as bell peppers or peas.
- Substitute the chicken in the orange chicken recipe with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of dried red chilies in the orange chicken sauce.
- Try using brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier alternative in the fried rice.
