How many times have they asked for a chicken with almonds in a Chinese restaurant and wondered what it would be like at home. Its mixture of flavors, among sweet, salty more the crunchy touch, is pure magic.
Today comes the final recipe to prepare a chicken with Chinese , plus some tips and a little of its history. The best thing is that it is not necessary to be a wok teacher to go well. With accessible ingredients and a little love, this recipe becomes the queen of easy dinners .
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About chicken with Chinese almonds
The chicken with Chinese is basically a plate of marinated and sauteed chicken pieces with a thick sauce (which we will talk about) of vegetables and roasted almonds.
It is a recipe that combines tradition and but can also be adapted to the local palate. In Spain, for example, chicken with almonds is usually given a sweeter touch than in classical Chinese cuisine . But in the end, the important thing is that the dish is enjoyed as much as the accompanying rice.
The origin of the chicken in almond sauce
Although it seems that the chicken with almonds was born in the letter of a Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood, it actually has deep roots in the Cantonese cuisine . This region of China is famous for its dishes that balance flavors and textures , and this recipe is no exception.
Almonds , in themselves, are a special ingredient in Asian cuisine . In ancient times, they were used for luxury dishes, reserved for special occasions. Over time, the chicken in almond sauce reached the West, where he conquered hearts and palates, for his flavor and for the simple of his recipe.
7 Characteristics of the chicken recipe with almonds
- Balanced flavor: neither very sweet, nor very salty. The chicken with Chinese almonds achieves the perfect balance.
- Crispy texture: roasted almonds are the jewel of the plate. The best thing is that they are peeled almonds , to prevent the peel from burning in the toast.
- Thick sauce: The key is to get almond sauce for chicken to adhere to pieces as a hug.
- Apt for all: almond chicken is a friendly dish for the palate , without spicy or bitter flavors.
- Versatile: Chicken with almond sauce can be served with white rice , noodles or even mass wrapped for tacos .
- Easy to prepare: it is not necessary to be an expert to make chicken with almonds. You only need a wok (or pan) and desire to experiment.
- Fast: in 40/45 minutes you can get a plate of chicken with tasty and special almonds .
What carries almond sauce and how to make it thick?
The almond sauce for Chinese has a special touch that the difference from other sauces. It carries soy sauce, chicken broth, a touch of sugar and a thickener like cornstarch (corn starch). And of course, the secret: a little of sesame oil to give that unique aroma .
So that almond sauce is thick the cornstarch is our best friend . An infallible tip is to dissolve it in water or cold broth before adding it to the wok. Then you have to cook over low heat and stir constantly. When the salsa bubbles, the chicken plate with almonds will be ready .
7 tips and secrets for the best chicken with Chinese almonds
- Use bone or boneless thigh: the breast can be more dry, but everything depends on personal taste.
- Marinar the chicken: a little soy sauce, ginger and garlic perme
- Tasted almonds at the moment: Fresh toasted makes the difference in the taste of the chicken dish with Chinese almonds.
- Control the fire: the wok must be hot, but not to burn the ingredients.
- Sesame oil at its point: not exaggerate with this oil. With a few drops enough to give that special aroma.
- Accompaniment matters: White rice is the classic, but chicken with almonds can also be accompanied with quinoa or burgol wheat .
- Add vegetables: carrots, onions, peppers or mushrooms can add color, flavor and texture.
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Chicken recipe with Chinese style almonds
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 500 g of chicken breast (or boneless thighs).
- 100 g of peeled almonds.
- ½ cup of soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- 200 ml of chicken broth.
- 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
- 1 clove of garlic, chopped.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- 1 zucchini (optional)
- 1 onion
- 1 Morrón Pepper (Optional)
- Vegetable oil, necessary quantity.
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make chicken with almonds in 6 steps
- Cut the breasts or thighs into small pieces. Marinate in a container with soy sauce, chopped garlic and ginger, ensuring that the mixture covers the chicken well. Let stand for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour for a more intense flavor).
- Toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown. Reserve.
- In a large wok or pan, heat some vegetable oil and sauté the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until it is golden and almost cooked. Remove and book.
- Cut vegetables (onion, zucchini and pepper, if used) in uniform pieces. Save in the same pan with a little oil for 3-4 minutes, preventing them from softening too much. They must be tender but firm.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix with the chicken broth, sugar or honey, sesame oil and chicken marinade. Incorporate this mixture into the pan with the vegetables. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring, until the salsa thickens (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- Return the chicken to the wok and mix well with the sauce and vegetables. Add toasted almonds and cook everything together for 5 more minutes, ensuring that the chicken is completely cooked.
- Rectify the taste with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot accompanied by white rice and enjoy!
