If you're looking for a delicious and healthy meal to enjoy, then you might want to try making a Chinese tomato chicken recipe. This dish is a popular Chinese cuisine that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by anyone. It combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the savory taste of chicken, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
To make this dish, you'll need some essential ingredients such as chicken breast, tomatoes, soy sauce, and garlic. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or squid to enhance the flavor of the dish. The cooking techniques involved in making this dish are simple and straightforward, and you don't need to be a professional chef to make it.
In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make a Chinese tomato chicken recipe. We'll also give you some serving suggestions and nutritional information to help you enjoy this dish to the fullest. So, let's get started and learn how to make this delicious and healthy meal!
Key Takeaways
- A Chinese tomato chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that combines the sweetness of tomatoes with the savory taste of chicken.
- You can add seafood like shrimp or squid to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- This dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by anyone.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese tomato chicken, there are a few essential ingredients you will need to get the perfect flavour. Here are the two main categories of ingredients you will need:
Proteins and Vegetables
The main protein in this dish is chicken, which is usually cut into small cubes or thin slices. You can also use seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, as an alternative to chicken. Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, scallions, peas, carrots, and mushrooms are also commonly used in this recipe. These vegetables provide a variety of textures and flavours to the dish.
Sauces and Seasonings
Sauces and seasonings are what give this dish its distinct taste. Soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and Shaoxing wine are commonly used to provide a balance of sweet and sour flavours. Sugar, salt, and pepper are also used to add additional flavour. Sesame oil is also used to add a nutty flavour to the dish.
Overall, the combination of these ingredients creates a delicious and flavourful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your own unique version of Chinese tomato chicken.
Cooking Techniques
Preparation Methods
Before you start cooking Chinese tomato chicken, it is important to prepare all the ingredients properly. The chicken should be diced into small pieces to ensure that it cooks evenly. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh for this recipe. It is also important to wash the tomatoes and cut them into wedges.
To thicken the sauce, you can use cornstarch. Mix it with water before adding it to the sauce. This will help to prevent lumps from forming. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cornstarch.
If you want to add seafood to this recipe, you can use prawns or scallops. Make sure to clean and devein the prawns before cooking. You can add them to the sauce towards the end of cooking, and cook them for a few minutes until they are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Methods
There are different ways to cook Chinese tomato chicken. One of the most common methods is stir-frying. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan, and add the chicken. Stir-fry for a few minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Next, add some more oil to the pan and stir-fry the garlic until it is fragrant. Add the tomatoes and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are softened. Then, add the chicken back to the pan and stir-fry everything together.
Another method is to boil the chicken in the sauce. Mix together the sauce ingredients, including the cornstarch slurry, in a pot and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken and tomatoes, and let them simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
You can also use an air fryer to cook the chicken. Coat the chicken in cornstarch and place it in the air fryer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until it is crispy and golden brown. Then, stir-fry the garlic and tomatoes in a pan, and add the cooked chicken.
Overall, there are different ways to cook Chinese tomato chicken, but stir-frying and boiling are the most common methods. Make sure to prepare all the ingredients properly and use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. You can also add seafood to this recipe for a delicious twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Chinese tomato chicken is a straightforward process that requires a few simple steps. Here is a breakdown of the recipe instructions to help you make a delicious dish that you can serve to your family and friends.
Marinating the Chicken
The first step in making Chinese tomato chicken is to marinate the chicken. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces, and place them in a bowl. Add light soy sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch to the chicken, and mix well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavours.
Combining Ingredients
Once the chicken is marinated, it's time to start cooking. Heat some oil in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown. Then, add the tomato sauce, sweet and sour sauce, water, and sugar to the wok. Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
If you prefer seafood, you can substitute the chicken with prawns or scallops. Make sure to cook them until they are pink and slightly opaque before adding the sauce.
Finishing Touches
Finally, add some sliced tomatoes to the wok and stir-fry for another minute or two until the tomatoes are cooked but still firm. Serve the Chinese tomato chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles.
That's it! With these simple steps, you can make a delicious Chinese tomato chicken dish that will impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Chinese Tomato Chicken is a delicious and flavourful dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. One of the most popular ways to serve this dish is with steamed rice. The plain and simple flavour of steamed rice pairs perfectly with the bold and tangy flavour of the tomato chicken. You can also try serving it with chow mein or any other type of noodles.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavours will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce.
If you want to enjoy the dish as takeout, you can pack it in a container and take it to work or school. It is a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal on the go.
Presentation Tips
To make the dish look more appealing, you can garnish it with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. You can also add a squeeze of lime to give it a tangy flavour. Another way to make it look more visually appealing is to serve it in a large bowl or platter with the rice or noodles on the bottom and the chicken on top.
If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or prawns. Simply cook the seafood in a separate pan until it is pink and cooked through, then add it to the tomato chicken at the end. This will add a delicious and unique flavour to the dish that you will love.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to Chinese tomato chicken, it is important to consider the nutritional information of the dish. One serving of Chinese tomato chicken contains around 262 kcal, which is a moderate amount of calories. The dish is also a good source of protein, with 33g per serving. However, it is important to note that the dish is relatively high in sugar, with 22g per serving.
If you are looking to make the dish healthier, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to reduce the fat content of the dish. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by using a sugar substitute such as stevia. Finally, you can increase the amount of vegetables in the dish to increase its nutritional content.
It is also worth noting that you can add seafood to the recipe to make it even more nutritious. For example, you can add prawns or scallops to the dish to increase its protein content. Seafood is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
Overall, Chinese tomato chicken can be a healthy and nutritious dish if prepared correctly. By making a few simple changes to the recipe, you can reduce its calorie and sugar content while increasing its nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a tender Chinese tomato chicken?
The secret to a tender Chinese tomato chicken is to marinate the chicken in cornstarch and egg whites before cooking. This technique, known as "velveting," ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender during cooking. Additionally, cooking the chicken over high heat for a short amount of time helps to keep it juicy.
Can I make Chinese tomato chicken using fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes to make Chinese tomato chicken. Simply cut the tomatoes into chunks and add them to the dish during the cooking process. Fresh tomatoes will give the dish a brighter, fresher flavor than canned tomatoes.
What's the best way to prepare a simple Chinese tomato chicken dish?
The best way to prepare a simple Chinese tomato chicken dish is to first marinate the chicken in cornstarch and egg whites. Then, stir-fry the chicken over high heat until it is cooked through. Next, add chopped tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until the tomatoes have broken down and formed a sauce. Finally, add some sugar and vinegar to balance out the flavors and serve over rice.
How do you create a tomato chicken stew with a Chinese twist?
To create a tomato chicken stew with a Chinese twist, start by browning the chicken in a large pot. Then, add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes to the pot and cook until the vegetables have softened. Next, add chicken stock, soy sauce, and sugar to the pot and bring to a simmer. Finally, add some cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and serve with steamed rice.
What ingredients go into a Chinese tomato sauce for chicken?
A Chinese tomato sauce for chicken typically includes tomatoes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Some variations may also include onions, peppers, or other vegetables.
Could you suggest a method for velveting chicken as done in Chinese cooking?
To velvet chicken as done in Chinese cooking, start by cutting the chicken into small pieces and marinating them in a mixture of cornstarch, egg whites, and a bit of oil. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. To cook the chicken, heat some oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and stir-fry until it is cooked through. The chicken should be tender and moist, with a velvety texture.