Chinese Chicken Sauce Recipes: Delicious Homemade Condiments for Your Favourite Dishes

Chinese chicken sauce recipes are a delicious and easy way to add flavour to your dinner. Whether you're looking to recreate your favourite Chinese takeout dishes or experiment with new flavours, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. From soy sauce chicken to stir-fry sauces, the possibilities are endless.

To make the perfect Chinese chicken sauce, you'll need to have some essential ingredients on hand. These include soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and chicken stock. Other ingredients like sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil can also be used to add flavour and depth to your sauce. Once you have these ingredients, you can start experimenting with different recipes and cooking techniques to find the perfect flavour combination.

Some popular Chinese chicken sauce recipes include chicken and broccoli with brown sauce, soy sauce chicken, and stir-fry sauces for any meat or vegetables. These recipes are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can also add seafood to your sauce for an extra burst of flavour. Shrimp, scallops, and squid are all great options to consider.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese chicken sauce recipes are a delicious and easy way to add flavour to your dinner.
• Essential ingredients for Chinese chicken sauces include soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and chicken stock.
• Popular Chinese chicken sauce recipes include chicken and broccoli with brown sauce, soy sauce chicken, and stir-fry sauces for any meat or vegetables.

Essential Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Sauces

If you're looking to make a delicious Chinese chicken sauce, there are a few essential ingredients you'll need to have on hand. By combining these ingredients in the right proportions, you can create a sauce that is both savoury and satisfying.

Garlic and Ginger Base

Garlic and ginger are two of the most important ingredients in Chinese cooking, and they form the base of many Chinese chicken sauce recipes. Garlic adds a pungent, slightly sweet flavour to the sauce, while ginger adds a spicy, aromatic quality. When using garlic and ginger in your sauce, it's important to finely chop or mince them so that they blend seamlessly into the other ingredients.

Soy Sauce Varieties

Soy sauce is another essential ingredient in Chinese cooking, and there are several different varieties to choose from. Light soy sauce is the most commonly used variety, and it has a salty, slightly sweet flavour. Dark soy sauce is thicker and has a more intense flavour, making it ideal for marinades and sauces. You can also use mushroom soy sauce, which has a rich, savoury flavour, or sweet soy sauce, which has a slightly sweet taste.

Sweetening Agents

Many Chinese chicken sauce recipes call for a sweetening agent to balance out the savoury flavours. Sugar is the most commonly used sweetener, but you can also use honey, which has a more complex flavour. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use agave nectar or maple syrup.

Thickening with Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken Chinese chicken sauces and give them a glossy, smooth texture. To use cornstarch, you'll need to dissolve it in water before adding it to the sauce. This will help prevent clumping and ensure that the sauce thickens evenly. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, you can use cornflour instead.

When making your Chinese chicken sauce, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and proportions to find the perfect balance of flavours. You can also add seafood to your sauce for a delicious twist. Shrimp and scallops are both great options, but you can also use crab or lobster if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the seafood is cooked through.

Popular Chinese Chicken Sauce Recipes

If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, you've probably tried some of the most popular chicken dishes with their signature sauces. Here are some of the most popular Chinese chicken sauce recipes:

General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is a sweet and spicy dish that is often made with chicken thighs or chicken breast. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The chicken is first coated in cornstarch and then fried until crispy before being tossed in the sauce.

If you're looking to switch things up, you can also try making General Tso's Shrimp by substituting the chicken with shrimp.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is a spicy dish that is made with chicken breast, peanuts, and dried red chillies. The sauce is made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The chicken is first stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and scallions before being tossed in the sauce with the peanuts and chillies.

If you want to try a seafood version of Kung Pao, you can use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken is a classic Chinese takeout dish that is made with chicken breast and a tangy sauce. The sauce is made with ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The chicken is first coated in cornstarch and then fried until crispy before being tossed in the sauce.

If you're looking for a seafood version of Sweet and Sour, you can use shrimp or fish instead of chicken.

Honey Sesame Chicken

Honey Sesame Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that is made with chicken breast and a sticky sauce. The sauce is made with honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. The chicken is first coated in cornstarch and then fried until crispy before being tossed in the sauce with toasted sesame seeds.

If you want to try a seafood version of Honey Sesame, you can use salmon or shrimp instead of chicken.

These popular Chinese chicken sauce recipes are easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you prefer chicken breast or thighs, or want to switch things up with seafood, there's a recipe for everyone to enjoy.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Mastering the Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a hot wok or frying pan. It is a great way to cook chicken and other meats, as it allows them to retain their flavour and texture while cooking quickly. To achieve the perfect stir-fry, make sure your wok or frying pan is hot before adding your ingredients. You should also cut your chicken into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

When stir-frying, it is important to keep the ingredients moving constantly to prevent them from burning. Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to toss the ingredients around the wok or frying pan. You can also add a little oil to the pan to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

Velveting Chicken

Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that involves marinating chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, egg whites, and oil before cooking it. This technique helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, and it also gives it a silky texture.

To velvet chicken, start by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and marinating it in the cornstarch mixture for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook the chicken in a hot wok or frying pan with a little oil. The cornstarch mixture will create a protective coating around the chicken, which will help to keep it moist and tender.

Achieving the Perfect Simmer

Simmering is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in a liquid at a low temperature. It is a great way to cook chicken in a sauce, as it allows the flavours to develop slowly over time. To achieve the perfect simmer, start by bringing your sauce to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and add your chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce, and then cover the pan with a lid.

Cook the chicken in the sauce for at least 20 minutes, or until it is cooked through. You can also add vegetables or seafood to the sauce to create a more complex flavour. If you do decide to add seafood, try using prawns or scallops for a delicious twist on traditional Chinese chicken recipes.

When cooking with oil, it is important to choose the right type of oil for the job. Sesame oil is a common ingredient in Chinese cooking, as it has a distinct nutty flavour that pairs well with chicken and other meats. Vegetable oil is also a good choice, as it has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

These cooking techniques and tips will help you to create delicious Chinese chicken recipes at home. Whether you're stir-frying, velveting, or simmering, these techniques will help you to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. So, get cooking and enjoy the delicious flavours of Chinese cuisine!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompanying Sides

Chinese chicken sauce recipes are usually served with rice or noodles. White rice is a classic pairing, but you can also try brown rice for a healthier option. If you prefer noodles, egg noodles or rice noodles are both great choices. For an even heartier meal, consider serving a side of fried rice.

In addition to the main dish, you can also serve a side of stir-fried veggies. Broccoli, snow peas, and bell peppers are all great options. You can also add in some shrimp or pork for added protein.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

When it comes to pairing beverages with Chinese chicken sauce recipes, you can't go wrong with a cold beer or a glass of white wine. A light, crisp beer like a pilsner or lager pairs well with the spicy flavours of the sauce. For wine, try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio.

If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, green tea is a great choice. It's a classic Asian beverage that complements the flavours of the dish. You can also try a glass of iced tea or a refreshing lemonade.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try pairing the dish with a cocktail. A classic Margarita or a Mai Tai would both work well with the spicy, tangy flavours of the sauce.

Finally, if you want to add some seafood to the dish, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops. The mild flavour of the seafood pairs well with the bold flavours of the sauce. Just make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it in at the end to avoid overcooking.

Health and Nutrition

Calorie Content and Nutritional Information

When it comes to Chinese chicken sauce recipes, it's important to be mindful of the calorie content and nutritional information. While some sauces may be high in sugar and salt, others can provide a good source of protein and nutrients.

For example, the Healthy Kung Pao Chicken recipe provides an abundance of veggies such as bell peppers and asparagus, making it a well-rounded and wholesome meal. It also allows you to enjoy the delicious flavours of Chinese takeout with fewer calories.

When making your own Chinese chicken sauce, consider using vegetable oil instead of other oils that may be high in saturated fats. This can help reduce the calorie content while still providing a good source of healthy fats.

Making Healthier Choices

If you're looking to make healthier choices when it comes to Chinese chicken sauce recipes, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, consider using lean cuts of chicken or seafood instead of fattier cuts. Seafood such as prawns or scallops can be a great addition to Chinese chicken sauce recipes.

When making your own sauce, try to use ingredients that are low in sugar and salt. For example, instead of using sugar, try using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Similarly, instead of using salt, try using herbs and spices to add flavour.

It's also important to be mindful of portion sizes. While Chinese chicken sauce recipes can be delicious, it's easy to overindulge and consume too many calories. Try to stick to recommended serving sizes and pair your meal with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.

By making these small changes, you can enjoy delicious Chinese chicken sauce recipes while still maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Storage and Leftovers

When it comes to storing your Chinese chicken sauce, it is best to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will help to preserve the flavour and freshness of the sauce. You can keep the sauce in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you have any leftovers, you can use them to make a variety of dishes. For instance, you can add the leftover Chinese garlic chicken to a stir-fry with some vegetables and noodles. You can also use the leftover chicken with garlic sauce to make a delicious sandwich or wrap.

If you want to add some seafood to your Chinese chicken sauce recipe, you can use prawns or shrimp. Simply cook the prawns or shrimp separately and then add them to the sauce at the end. This will help to prevent overcooking and ensure that the seafood stays tender and juicy.

Overall, storing your Chinese chicken sauce properly and using your leftovers creatively can help you to save time and money in the kitchen while still enjoying delicious and flavourful meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a classic sticky chicken sauce?

To make a classic sticky chicken sauce, you will need soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken until it's browned. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Serve with rice and vegetables.

What goes into a traditional Chinese lemon chicken sauce?

A traditional Chinese lemon chicken sauce consists of chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken until it's browned. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Serve with rice and vegetables.

Can you recommend a simple recipe for Chinese chicken with rice?

Yes, a simple recipe for Chinese chicken with rice is to marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for 30 minutes. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken until it's browned. Then, add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Serve with rice.

What's the secret to a perfect Chinese soy sauce chicken?

The secret to a perfect Chinese soy sauce chicken is to marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder for at least 4 hours or overnight. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken until it's browned. Then, add the marinade and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Serve with rice and vegetables.

Which Chinese chicken dish is considered an all-time favourite?

One of the all-time favourite Chinese chicken dishes is General Tso's chicken. It's a sweet and spicy dish made with deep-fried chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and dried chili peppers. Serve with rice and vegetables.

How do you prepare a sauce for chicken breast with a Chinese twist?

To prepare a sauce for chicken breast with a Chinese twist, you will need soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set aside. Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add oil, and cook the chicken until it's browned. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Serve with rice and vegetables. As a suggestion, you can add prawns or scallops to the dish for a seafood twist.