Alright, let’s talk sweet and sour—a combination so bold and mouth-watering, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for bland! I’m thrilled to share this sweet and sour combo recipe, delivering flavors that practically leap off the plate. Think of it as a flavor-packed punch of tang and sweetness that anyone can whip up with simple ingredients and a bit of guidance. Let’s get cooking!
Sweet and Sour Combo Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To nail this recipe, make sure you have the following essentials on hand. After all, this sweet and sour combo is about precision and ease, not overly complicated tools.
- Medium mixing bowls
- Large skillet (non-stick preferred)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless chicken pieces | 500g |
Pineapple chunks | 1 cup |
Bell peppers (red & green) | 1 cup, chopped |
Onion | 1 large, sliced |
Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
Vinegar | 3 tbsp |
Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
Ketchup | 2 tbsp |
Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
Water | 1/2 cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Did you know? Sweet and sour sauce has roots in ancient China, and today it’s found in various dishes worldwide, proving that a good balance of flavors never goes out of style.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken pieces into bite-sized chunks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat with a light dusting of cornstarch to keep the meat tender and juicy.
Pro tip: Cornstarch adds that restaurant-style crisp to your chicken when fried lightly.
Step 2 – Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Note: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect sear.
Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, around 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4 – Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and water until smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir gently, bringing the sauce to a simmer.
Fact: Brown sugar gives the sauce a caramelized depth, making the sweet and sour combo even richer.
Step 5 – Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Stir everything together, coating the chicken and vegetables in the sauce.
- Allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Warning: Don’t overcook, or the chicken might turn tough and dry.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the sauce to your liking by tweaking the vinegar and sugar.
- Serve the dish over steamed rice for a full meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a touch of freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
This sweet and sour combo pairs brilliantly with simple sides that let its bold flavors shine.
- Steamed rice
- Garlic naan
- Stir-fried greens
- Spring rolls
Nutrition in Sweet and Sour Combo
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 12g |
Fiber | 3g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods.
Dietary Information
This sweet and sour combo is a versatile dish. It’s suitable for those following gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For low-carb adjustments, reduce the pineapple and add extra bell peppers instead.
FAQs about Sweet and Sour Combo
What makes this sweet and sour combo different?
The balance of sweetness from pineapple and brown sugar with the tang of vinegar and soy sauce makes it unique and flavorful.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian twist without losing the flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually get better over time!
Can I freeze this sweet and sour combo?
Yes! Portion it out and freeze for up to two months. Reheat on the stove for best results.
Is it okay to use canned pineapple?
Of course, canned pineapple works perfectly and adds a nice, even sweetness.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to throw in snap peas, carrots, or baby corn for extra crunch and color.
Can I double the recipe?
Certainly. Just double the ingredients, and be sure to use a large enough skillet for even cooking.
Conclusion
There you have it—a foolproof sweet and sour combo that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Give it a go, adjust to your liking, and enjoy every bite!
Feel free to drop a comment below or ask any questions about this recipe. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Cheddars New Orleans Pasta Recipe
- Cook Frozen Ravioli Recipe
- Brenda Gantt Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- 3 Ingredient Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker Recipe
- Does Gochujang Go Bad Recipe
- Chicken Parm Sliders Recipe
Sweet and Sour Combo Recipe
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowls
- Large skillet (non-stick preferred)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless chicken pieces
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks
- 1 cup Bell peppers red & green, chopped
- 1 large Onion sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 3 tbsp Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 cup Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken pieces into bite-sized chunks.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat with a light dusting of cornstarch to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Pro tip: Cornstarch adds that restaurant-style crisp to your chicken when fried lightly.
Step 2 – Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Note: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that perfect sear.
Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, around 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in the pineapple chunks and cook for an additional minute.
- See also Hennessy Pound Cake Recipe
Step 4 – Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and water until smooth.
- Pour this mixture into the skillet with the vegetables.
- Stir gently, bringing the sauce to a simmer.
- Fact: Brown sugar gives the sauce a caramelized depth, making the sweet and sour combo even richer.
Step 5 – Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Stir everything together, coating the chicken and vegetables in the sauce.
- Allow to cook for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
- Warning: Don’t overcook, or the chicken might turn tough and dry.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the sauce to your liking by tweaking the vinegar and sugar.
- Serve the dish over steamed rice for a full meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a touch of freshness.
Leave a Reply