Pork Orange Sauce

You're probably referring to Orange Chicken, a super popular Chinese-American dish commonly found in restaurants across the USA!

What is Orange Chicken?

Orange Chicken is a sweet and savory dish made with bite-sized pieces of breaded and deep-fried chicken, typically served in a tangy, citrusy orange-flavored sauce. The sauce is usually a combination of orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and spices, which gives it a sticky, syrupy consistency.

Where did it come from?

Believe it or not, Orange Chicken is an American invention! It's a Chinese-American fusion dish created in the 1980s by a Chinese chef named Andy Kao, who worked at a Chinese restaurant in Huntington Beach, California. Kao experimented with different flavors and ingredients to create a unique dish that would appeal to American tastes. And thus, Orange Chicken was born!

How is it typically served?

In most restaurants, Orange Chicken is served as a main course, often with steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. You might also find it served with steamed rice or noodles. Some variations might include additional ingredients like scallions, sesame seeds, or crispy wonton strips.

Fun fact: Orange Chicken has become such a staple in American-Chinese cuisine that it's often considered a comfort food! Many restaurants, like Panda Express, have made it a signature dish on their menus.

Want to try making it at home?

Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together orange juice, soy sauce, sugar, and ginger in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and a pinch of salt.

3. Dip chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.

4. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

5. In a wok or large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

6. Add the fried chicken back into the wok and pour in the orange sauce. Stir-fry until the sauce thickens and the chicken is well coated.

7. Serve hot, garnished with scallions, sesame seeds, and wonton strips if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Orange Chicken!

I hope this helps you learn more about this tasty dish and even inspires you to try making it at home!