Sweet Spicy Dragon Chicken: A Fiery Delight
If you're in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors, look no further than Sweet Spicy Dragon Chicken. This tantalizing recipe combines the heat of chili peppers with the subtle sweetness of honey, creating a flavor profile that's as fiery as a dragon's breath. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just spice up your weeknight meal routine, this dish is sure to be a hit. Below, we outline the steps and ingredients needed to bring this exotic dish to your table.
Ingredients
To prepare Sweet Spicy Dragon Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 500 grams of boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons for coating the chicken
- Egg: 1 large, beaten
- Oil: For deep frying
- For the Sauce:
- Red chili flakes: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Red chili sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Tomato ketchup: 2 tablespoons
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely chopped
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely grated
- Spring onions: A handful, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish)
Before you begin, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Frying pan or wok
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or cooking spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Recipe Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Sweet Spicy Dragon Chicken:
PreparationPrepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with beaten egg and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Deep Fry: Heat oil in a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the red chili flakes, soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and honey. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine with Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until well coated. Ensure each piece is glossy and vibrant.
- Sprinkle chopped spring onions and sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion
Sweet Spicy Dragon Chicken is more than just a meal; it's an adventure for your taste buds. This dish not only offers a delightful balance of flavors but also a visually appealing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The fiery red of the sauce and the garnishing of spring onions and sesame seeds make it a vibrant addition to any dining table. So, gather your ingredients and set off on a culinary journey with this explosive, dragon-inspired dish!
You can make it with just veggies, or add chicken, egg, or a combination of those!
Veggie Hakka Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 packet 200 gm Hakka Noodles Ex: Chings Hakka Noodles
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Carrot Peeled, julienned
- Quarter Cabbage sliced thin
- 1 Bell Pepper Sliced
- 1 Onion , medium size sliced
- 2 egg beaten (optional) Skip making it Vegan.
- 1 tbsp Ginger minced
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 2 Thai Chilli chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp Rice vinegar OR white vinegar
- 2 tsp Red Chilli sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- Salt & Pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the noodles in boiling water for about 6 to 8 minutes , till it's just cooked. Don't overcook it, it will turn soggy. Once it's cooked, drain the noodles and wash them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss it with a little oil and set it aside.
- Prep the vegetables and have the sauces ready before cooking.
- In a wide and deep wok or pan , on high heat, heat the oil, and add the ginger and garlic, and Thai chili. After a few seconds, add the onion and saute for few seconds.
- Add the veggies and stir. they have to be crisp, so don't overcook them. Move them to a side and add the eggs and scramble slightly. Mix with the veggies.
- Now add the noodles, and the sauces, salt, and pepper and toss well. Adjust the taste according to your taste preference. Turn heat off. Serve warm .
Notes
Eggs:
If preferred, eggs can be scrambled separately and added to the veggies. Omit the eggs, if a Vegan version is preferred.Chilli sauce:
I’ve made this in an Indian spicy version. Since I like a little heat. Feel free to omit or reduce the Thai chili and chili sauce if less heat is preferred.Noodles:
I get the Chings brand Hakka noodles available at Asian/Indian grocery stores. You can try it with chow mein thin noodles available at stores too. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.Veggies:
You can add veggies of your choice. I sometimes even add broccoli, bok choy, string beans to my noodles. Whatever I have the fridge. It’s an excellent way to get kids to eat their veggies too!
