Sweet and Sour Chicken

Nothing is more quintessential to Americanized Chinese food than the sweet and sour chicken. The origin of sweet and sour chicken was in the 18th century in China. It spread to the United States in the early 20th century after the Chinese migrant gold miners and railroad workers turned to cookery as trade. Yes, it became a little sweeter for the American pallet, but still as delicious. Try my other Asian fare and be delighted by the authentic flavors.

1/2 lb. chicken meat

Step 1:

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 tablespoon soy sauce

6 tablespoons cornstarch, for coating

Oil for frying

1/2 onion, cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces (16 ounces can of pineapple chunks)

1 small green pepper, cut into bite-size pieces

1 carrot, cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 teaspoon garlic, chopped

4 tablespoons oil

Step 2:

4 tablespoons sugar

6 tablespoons water

5 tablespoons pineapple juice

5 tablespoons white vinegar

4 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon salt

Step 3:

1 tablespoon water

1 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Mix, and stir before using

Lay a piece of chicken out and cut it into bite-size pieces.

Mix chicken with step #1.

Before deep-frying, the meat, dredge into the cornstarch covering each piece well.

Cut the pineapple into bite-size pieces. Cut the onion, carrot, and bell pepper that has been seeded into bite-size pieces.

Mix step #2 and step #3, set aside.

Heat the wok until it smokes, and add the oil for frying. Deep fry the meat over medium heat for 3 minutes; remove and reheat the oil until it is very hot (not smoking). Refry the meat for 30 seconds. Remove and drain. Remove the oil from the wok.

Reheat the wok and add 1 tablespoon oil. Stir fry the bell pepper; add 1 tablespoon water. Remove and drain.

Add 3 tablespoons oil; stir fry garlic until fragrant. Add the onions and pineapple; stir fry briefly then add step #2. When the mixture begins to boil add step #3 to thicken; stir. Add the fried meat and toss lightly; remove to a platter and serve.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

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