Sarah BrownBefore diving into the delightful depths of ground orange chicken, let’s consider what might sit alongside this dish beautifully. A side of fluffy jasmine rice or even a crispy vegetable stir-fry can enhance the experience.
Want something refreshing? A simple cucumber salad drizzled with sesame oil really takes it up a notch. Each of these accompaniments balances the flavors of the chicken, elevating your meal into something truly special.
Hello, food lovers! Let me take you on a flavorful journey with ground orange chicken. This dish is bright, zesty, and tantalizing in all the right ways. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. How about we explore its magic together? As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I eat with intention.
The flavors of this dish are a delicious reminder that healthy meals can be packed with taste. Now, let’s jump into what makes ground orange chicken stand out!
What is Ground Orange Chicken?
Ground orange chicken is a delightful twist on traditional orange chicken. Instead of using cubed chicken, we finely grind the meat, allowing it to absorb all those vibrant flavors more effectively. Imagine a savory blend of spices, fresh ginger, and the distinct sweetness of oranges dancing together in your mouth. It’s a satisfying dish that pulls from Asian cuisine while offering a fresh, homemade touch.
How Does It Taste?
Picture this: You take a bite and the first thing that hits your palate is the warmth from the ginger. Moments later, the zing of soy sauce greets your taste buds, followed swiftly by the sweetness of sugar and citrusy essence of orange. It’s a delightful symphony of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
The interplay between these flavors leaves a lasting impression, craving another bite almost immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
You’ll fall in love with ground orange chicken for many reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are readily available, and it packs a flavorful punch that makes even the pickiest eaters happy.
Plus, it’s versatile. You can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry. It’s downright comforting without compromising on nutrition.
You will also like the following Lunch and Dinner recipes!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (can use canola or vegetable)
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Zest of 1 small orange
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
Let’s roll up our sleeves and cook up this dish together!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of your neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer a bit, indicating it’s ready for action.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Now, toss in one pound of ground chicken breast. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This is where we start building that flavor base.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Next, add two teaspoons of minced garlic and one tablespoon of finely minced ginger into the pan. Stir the mixture constantly for about a minute. You want to release those mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Don’t forget the heat! Sprinkle in one-quarter teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes. The warmth from these flakes complements the sweetness of the dish perfectly. Stir to mix everything well.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine four teaspoons of light soy sauce, four tablespoons of granulated sugar, and four tablespoons of rice vinegar. Whisk them together until well mixed. Then add in the zest of one small orange, two tablespoons of water, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. This sauce is what brings everything together!
Step 6: Combine
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to envelop the chicken as it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Up
Finally, drizzle half a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the dish. This step adds an extra layer of flavor. Toss in one teaspoon of finely chopped green onion and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for garnish. Give it all a final stir!
Tips on Making Ground Orange Chicken
Here are some handy tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger truly enhance the flavors. Dried alternatives won’t provide the same punch.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Balance the flavors based on your taste. If you love it sweet, add more sugar; if you prefer more tang, splash in more rice vinegar.
- Monitor Heat Levels: If you like a spicy kick, boost the chili flakes—just be cautious!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Toss in some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, for added color and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right off the stove for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Let’s take a look at what you can expect in terms of nutrition when you devour this delightful dish. A standard serving of ground orange chicken (about one cup) roughly contains:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
Nutrition values may vary, depending on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
How Do You Store Ground Orange Chicken?
Storing leftover ground orange chicken is simple and convenient. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Ground Orange Chicken?
If you’re in the mood for something different, here are five viable substitutes you might consider:
- Ground Turkey: If you want a leaner meat option, ground turkey is an excellent choice.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu, crumbled. It absorbs flavors wonderfully.
- Pork: Ground pork can provide a richer taste, holding the sauce flavors well.
- Beef: Use ground beef for a heartier alternative; it’s going to change the flavor profile completely!
- Seitan: For a plant-based protein that mimics meat, seitan is flavorful and satisfying.
Ground Orange Chicken
Equipment
- pan
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil can use canola or vegetable
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Zest of 1 small orange
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- First things first, grab a large skillet. Heat one tablespoon of your neutral cooking oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer a bit, indicating it’s ready for action.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Now, toss in one pound of ground chicken breast. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This is where we start building that flavor base.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
- Next, add two teaspoons of minced garlic and one tablespoon of finely minced ginger into the pan. Stir the mixture constantly for about a minute. You want to release those mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Spice It Up
- Don’t forget the heat! Sprinkle in one-quarter teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes. The warmth from these flakes complements the sweetness of the dish perfectly. Stir to mix everything well.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine four teaspoons of light soy sauce, four tablespoons of granulated sugar, and four tablespoons of rice vinegar. Whisk them together until well mixed. Then add in the zest of one small orange, two tablespoons of water, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. This sauce is what brings everything together!
Step 6: Combine
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to envelop the chicken as it thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Up
- Finally, drizzle half a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil over the dish. This step adds an extra layer of flavor. Toss in one teaspoon of finely chopped green onion and half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for garnish. Give it all a final stir!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger truly enhance the flavors. Dried alternatives won’t provide the same punch.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Balance the flavors based on your taste. If you love it sweet, add more sugar; if you prefer more tang, splash in more rice vinegar.
- Monitor Heat Levels: If you like a spicy kick, boost the chili flakes—just be cautious!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Toss in some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or snap peas, for added color and nutrition.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right off the stove for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen ground chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Doubling the recipe works well; just keep an eye on the cooking time.
4. How can I make the dish less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar to suit your preferences.
5. Can I freeze ground orange chicken?
Yes, it freezes well. Just allow it to cool before placing it in airtight containers.
6. What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Ground orange chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a flavor journey that paints your weeknight dinner with vibrant colors and tastes. You can whip it up in no time, impressing family and friends alike. It’s all about simple ingredients, delectable flavors, and a few culinary tricks up your sleeve.
As someone who loves exploring the kitchen, I truly believe this dish will become a staple in your home. So grab those ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
