Ingredients

1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar , lightly packed
1 cup white sugar ( can reduce a 2-3 tablespoons for a less sweeter taste )
3/4 cup cold water ( or can use unsweetened pineapple juice or half each , I prefer the pineapple juice )
3 tablespoons cornstarch ( for a thinner sauce reduce to 2 tablespoons , if you want an very thick sauce use 4 tablespoons )
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ( garlic lovers add 1 teaspoon )
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/3 cups cold water ( if you are reducing to half a recipe use 1/2 cup plus 2-1/2 tablespoons water )
1 -2 teaspoon sesame oil ( optional but good to add )
oil ( for frying )
8 chicken breasts , cut into bite-size pieces
seasoning salt ( optional )
Kittencal's Chinese Chicken Balls With Sweet and Sour Sauce is an Asian-inspired dish that has been popular since the 1970s. The origin of sweet and sour sauce can be traced back to ancient Chinese recipes, but today it is a classic condiment that complements many types of food. The recipe calls for chicken pieces that are coated in a batter and then fried until golden brown and crispy. The sweet and sour sauce is a combination of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce that is first cooked on a stove-top until thick and smooth. This dish will satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout and can be made easily in your own kitchen. Serve it with white rice or noodles, and you'll have a complete meal that your family will love!

Instructions

1.In a large saucepan, combine ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, brown sugar, white sugar, and cold water or pineapple juice.
2.Whisk in 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (2 tablespoons for thinner sauce or 4 tablespoons for thicker sauce) until smooth.
3.Cook the sauce in medium heat until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add sesame oil if desired.
4.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons sugar.
5.Slowly stir in 1 1/3 cups cold water (or 1/2 cup plus 2-1/2 tablespoons water for half recipe) and 1-2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional) until well combined.
6.Sprinkle chicken pieces with seasoning salt (optional) and then coat each piece in the batter mixture.
7.In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat and fry chicken pieces in batches until well browned.
8.Serve chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
9.

PROS

Kittencal’s Chinese Chicken Balls With Sweet and Sour Sauce are a delicious and easy-to-make alternative to ordering takeout.
They have a crispy outside and juicy inside, complimented with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors in the sauce.
The recipe is versatile as you can use pineapple juice instead of water for an extra tropical taste.

CONS

Due to deep-frying, these chicken balls are not the healthiest choice of food as they are high in fat and calories.
But in moderation, they can be a delightful treat that will satisfy your cravings for Chinese chicken.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe may not necessarily be the most nutritious option, it does provide some health benefits. Chicken, in general, is a great source of protein and the sweet and sour sauce contains antioxidants from the vinegar and ketchup. If you are looking for additional nutritional value, consider adding some colorful vegetables on the side such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.