Chinese Chicken Recipes Without Soy Sauce: Delicious Alternatives to Try

If you want to cook a delicious Chinese chicken recipe but want to avoid soy sauce, you're in luck! There are plenty of tasty options available that don't require this common ingredient. Whether you have a soy allergy, are following a paleo or Whole30 diet, or simply want to switch things up in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

When selecting ingredients for your soy-free Chinese chicken recipe, be sure to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. Look for organic chicken, locally-sourced vegetables, and gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce, such as coconut aminos. Preparation techniques are also important, so be sure to marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure it's tender and flavourful.

Once you've selected your ingredients and prepared your chicken, it's time to start cooking! There are many different cooking methods you can use for Chinese chicken, including stir-frying, baking, and grilling. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavour profile. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even add seafood to your recipe for an extra burst of flavour.

Key Takeaways

• There are plenty of delicious Chinese chicken recipes that don't require soy sauce.
• When selecting ingredients, choose high-quality, fresh options and consider gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
• Experiment with different cooking methods and spices to create your own unique flavour profile, and consider adding seafood to your recipe for an extra burst of flavour.

Selecting Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese chicken recipes without soy sauce, it's important to choose the right ingredients to ensure the dish is flavourful and delicious. Here are some tips on selecting the right ingredients for your stir fry.

Choosing the Right Chicken

When choosing chicken for your stir fry, it's best to go with boneless chicken breast. This is because it cooks quickly and evenly, making it perfect for stir fry recipes. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but make sure to remove the skin and bone before cooking.

Vegetables for Your Stir Fry

Vegetables are an essential part of any stir fry recipe. Some popular vegetables that go well with chicken include carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, cabbage, kale, and mushrooms. You can use any combination of these vegetables to create a colourful and nutritious stir fry.

Soy Sauce Alternatives

If you're looking for a soy sauce alternative, there are several options to choose from. Coconut aminos is a popular choice, as it has substantially less sodium and is made from the nectar or "sap" of a coconut blossom, not the actual coconut fruit. Fish sauce, tamari, and oyster sauce are also great alternatives that add a savoury, umami flavour to your dish. If you prefer a tangy flavour, try using apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.

As a suggestion, you can also add seafood to your stir fry for an extra burst of flavour. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are great options that pair well with chicken and vegetables. Just make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the stir fry to avoid overcooking.

Preparation Techniques

Marinating Chicken Without Soy Sauce

Marinating chicken is an essential step in preparing Chinese chicken dishes. While soy sauce is a common ingredient in marinades, there are several alternatives that can be used. One option is to use a mixture of grated ginger, garlic, pepper, salt, olive oil, sesame oil, vinegar, honey, and sriracha. This marinade is a great way to add flavour to your chicken without using soy sauce.

To marinate the chicken, place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.

If you are looking to add seafood to your dish, prawns or scallops can be added to the marinade. Simply add the seafood to the bowl with the chicken and marinade, and follow the same marinating process.

Cutting Vegetables for Stir Fry

When it comes to preparing vegetables for a stir fry, it is important to cut them into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that they cook evenly and quickly. Some common vegetables used in Chinese stir fry dishes include bell peppers, onions, carrots, and broccoli.

To prepare the vegetables, start by washing them thoroughly and then cutting them into small pieces. For example, bell peppers can be sliced into thin strips, onions can be diced, carrots can be cut into matchsticks, and broccoli can be cut into small florets.

Once the vegetables are cut, heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and then add the vegetables to the pan. Stir fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes or until they are crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables as they will become mushy.

Marinating the chicken and cutting the vegetables into small, uniform pieces are two important preparation techniques to keep in mind when making Chinese chicken dishes without soy sauce. By using alternative marinades and cutting the vegetables correctly, you can create a delicious and flavourful dish that is sure to impress.

Cooking Methods

Stir Frying Without Soy Sauce

Stir-frying is a popular Chinese cooking method that involves cooking small, bite-sized pieces of food quickly over high heat. Chicken stir-fry without soy sauce is an excellent option for those who are allergic to soy or want to avoid it. You can use a variety of vegetables, including onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli, to create a delicious and healthy meal.

To stir-fry without soy sauce, you can use alternative sauces such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce. These sauces are rich in umami flavour and can be used to add depth and complexity to your stir-fry. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a base for your stir-fry sauce.

When stir-frying, it's important to use high heat and cook the chicken quickly to prevent it from becoming tough and dry. To achieve this, you should cut the chicken into small, uniform pieces and cook it in batches. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

If you're not a fan of stir-frying, there are other cooking techniques you can use to prepare Chinese chicken recipes without soy sauce. Baking and roasting are two excellent options that are easy to prepare and require minimal effort.

To bake or roast chicken, you can marinate it in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oils. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as garlic, ginger, coriander, and chilli flakes, to add flavour to your chicken. You can also add seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to your marinade to create a delicious surf and turf dish.

Once you've marinated the chicken, you can bake it in the oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until it's cooked through. You can also roast it in a preheated oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes or until it's golden brown and crispy.

There are several cooking methods you can use to prepare Chinese chicken recipes without soy sauce. Whether you choose to stir-fry, bake, or roast your chicken, the key is to use high-quality ingredients and cook the chicken quickly to retain its moisture and flavour.

Serving and Pairing

Side Dishes

When it comes to serving Chinese chicken dishes without soy sauce, there are plenty of side dishes that you can pair them with. Rice is a great option, and you can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference. Alternatively, quinoa is a great gluten-free and vegetarian option that goes well with Chinese chicken dishes. You can also serve your chicken with noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, for a more filling meal.

To add some crunch and texture to your meal, sprinkle some sesame seeds over your chicken or side dishes. You can also serve a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas, to add some extra nutrition to your meal.

Sauce Pairings

While soy sauce is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking, there are plenty of alternative sauces that you can use to add flavour to your chicken dishes. Hoisin sauce is a great option that is soy-free and adds a sweet and savoury flavour to your meal. Oyster sauce is another popular option that is also soy-free, and it adds a rich umami flavour to your chicken.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using a mushroom sauce or a vegetable-based sauce, such as a spicy Szechuan sauce. Seafood lovers can also try pairing their chicken with a seafood-based sauce, such as a prawn or crab sauce.

When it comes to serving and pairing your Chinese chicken dishes without soy sauce, the options are endless. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free, vegetarian, or seafood-based option, there are plenty of sauces and side dishes that you can use to add flavour and nutrition to your meal.

Storing Leftovers

After preparing your delicious Chinese chicken recipe without soy sauce, you might have some leftovers. Proper storage is key to preserving the flavour and quality of your food.

To store your leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. However, it's important to note that freezing can affect the texture of the chicken.

When reheating your leftovers, you can use a microwave or reheat them in the oven. If you're using a microwave, make sure to cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap to prevent any splatters. You can also add a few tablespoons of water to the container to help steam the chicken and prevent it from drying out.

To ensure that your leftovers taste just as delicious as the day you made them, here are a few tips:

• When reheating your leftovers, make sure to stir them occasionally to ensure even heating.
• If your leftovers have been in the fridge for a few days, you might notice that the chicken has dried out a bit. To restore some moisture, you can add a bit of chicken broth or water before reheating.
• If you want to add a bit of variety to your leftovers, you can try adding some seafood. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to your Chinese chicken recipe. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the reheated chicken.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Chinese chicken recipe without soy sauce stays delicious even when you have leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple alternatives to soy sauce for Chinese chicken dishes?

If you want to avoid soy sauce in your Chinese chicken recipe, there are several alternatives you can use. You can try using oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or fish sauce. These sauces are commonly used in Chinese cuisine and can add a unique flavour to your dish. You can also use coconut aminos or tamari sauce if you want a gluten-free alternative.

How can you make a healthy Chinese chicken stir-fry without soy sauce?

To make a healthy Chinese chicken stir-fry without soy sauce, you can use a combination of herbs and spices to add flavour. You can use garlic, ginger, and scallions to add a savoury taste to your dish. You can also use chilli flakes or Sichuan peppercorns to add some heat. Instead of using soy sauce, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a base for your stir-fry.

What's the best way to prepare Chinese chicken without soy sauce or rice?

If you want to prepare Chinese chicken without soy sauce or rice, you can use other grains like quinoa or couscous as a base. You can also use vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli to add some texture and flavour to your dish. You can prepare your chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying it. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to your dish to make it more flavorful.

Can you suggest a sesame chicken recipe that doesn't include soy sauce?

Yes, you can make a delicious sesame chicken recipe without soy sauce. You can combine honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar to create a sweet and tangy sauce for your chicken. You can also use cornstarch to coat your chicken and give it a crispy texture. Add some sesame seeds to your dish for an extra crunch.

Is there a honey sesame sauce that complements Chinese chicken without soy?

Yes, you can make a honey sesame sauce that complements Chinese chicken without soy. You can use honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch to create a thick and flavorful sauce. You can also add some garlic and ginger to your sauce for an extra kick. Drizzle the sauce over your chicken and serve it with some steamed vegetables.

What's a suitable hoisin sauce recipe for Chinese chicken without using soy?

You can make a delicious hoisin sauce recipe for Chinese chicken without using soy. You can use hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch to create a thick and sweet sauce. You can also add some garlic and ginger to your sauce for extra flavour. Drizzle the sauce over your chicken and serve it with some stir-fried vegetables.

Remember, you can always add seafood to your Chinese chicken recipe to make it more flavorful. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are great options to use in your dish.