Craving that satisfying crunch of your favorite Chinese takeout but dreading the delivery fees and questionable ingredients? Then get ready to transform your kitchen into a bustling takeout haven! This article will guide you through creating authentic, delicious Chinese dishes right in your own home, proving that restaurant-quality meals are surprisingly achievable. Forget greasy takeout containers and questionable freshness; you’ll be amazed at how easily you can replicate those beloved flavors using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
We'll explore the secrets behind creating perfectly crispy fried chicken, fluffy egg-fried rice bursting with flavor, and other classic takeout staples. From mastering the art of the perfect stir-fry to achieving that signature savory-sweet sauce, every step will be broken down for you. Ready to ditch the takeout menus and embark on a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Frying pan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare the Chicken
- Combine garlic, ginger, ginger paste, white sugar, Shaoxing wine (or mirin/cherry cooking wine), fish sauce, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and optionally MSG. Whisk to combine. Add cornstarch and mix well. Marinate chicken for 2-24 hours.
- Clean the chicken, ensuring no bone fragments or feathers remain.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
- Let the marinated chicken rest for another 2-24 hours.
Step 2. Prepare and Cook the Fried Rice
- Combine low sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, and AP seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) in a bowl. Whisk to combine and adjust flavor to your liking.
- Heat avocado oil and butter in a pan. Add shrimp, season with AP seasoning, and cook until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pan.
- Add day-old rice to the pan, breaking it up with your hands. If needed, add a little more oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the fried rice sauce to the rice and mix well.
- Add scrambled eggs, cooked shrimp, and chopped vegetables to the rice and mix thoroughly.
Step 3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil to 350°F. Coat chicken in cornstarch, fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through (165-175°F internal temperature).
Step 4. Serve
- Serve the fried chicken and fried rice.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best fried rice texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the seasoning in both the marinade and fried rice sauce to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 600-800
- Fat: 40-55g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. How can I make sure my fried chicken is extra crispy?
Double-fry the chicken! A quick initial fry cooks the chicken through, then a second fry at a higher temperature creates extra crispiness.
2. What's the secret to fluffy fried rice?
Use day-old rice! It's drier and prevents the rice from becoming mushy. Also, high heat and quick cooking are key.
So there you have it – a delicious and satisfying meal of crispy Chinese fried chicken and shrimp fried rice, all made from the comfort of your own kitchen. Enjoy the compliments from your family and friends, and savor the pride of creating this takeout favorite at home. Now go forth and conquer your next Chinese food craving!