Hello, friends of Paulina Cocina! Lemon chicken is a popular dish enjoyed all over the world, but it's especially famous in Chinese cuisine . This sweet and sour combination is so characteristic of this region that it ultimately led to the recipe being called Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken. Why? No reason, right?
In this article, you'll also find a link to another post where we tell you all about Chinese food. What else do you want from us? The best Chinese-style lemon chicken recipe? Well, that's there too.
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About lemon chicken
Lemon chicken is a culinary preparation that stands out for its sweet, sour, and refreshing flavor . This dish is characterized by the use of chicken, usually in chunks or strips, marinated in a lemon sauce and other ingredients that enhance the citrus flavors.
It's usually baked, pan-fried, or served with rice or vegetables , depending on the variety. The combination of lemon juice, sugar, garlic, and other ingredients gives it a unique and delicious flavor.
Chinese lemon chicken, an Asian delight
Chinese lemon chicken is a variation on this dish that has its roots in Chinese cuisine. In Chinese cuisine , special attention is paid to the harmony of flavors and textures, and lemon chicken is no exception. The Chinese version of this dish often uses breaded and deep-fried chicken, which gives it a crispy texture .
This variation can be served with white rice or Chinese noodles, creating a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors makes Chinese-style lemon chicken an irresistible dish for lovers of Asian cuisine. The sweet and sour lemon sauce is prepared with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and soy sauce, and sometimes includes lemon wedges for an even more intense flavor.
Amazing Lemon Sauce for Chicken
Lemon sauce for chicken is a delicious option to add a touch of freshness and flavor to your dish. It 's made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, butter, and garlic .
Lemon juice provides that characteristic citrus and acidic flavor, while sugar balances the sweetness, and lemon zest adds depth to the aroma . You can choose to thicken the sauce to your liking by adding a mixture of cornstarch dissolved in water. This will give it a more consistent texture.
Tips for making the best lemon chicken
- Choose fresh ingredients : Make sure to use fresh chicken, juicy lemons, and other quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Proper marinade : Marinate the chicken for at least 20-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse the meat. You can use a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and lemon for the marinade.
- Crispy coating : If you prefer a crispy lemon chicken, you can coat the chicken in a flour and cornstarch mixture before frying. Make sure the chicken is slightly moist so the coating adheres well.
- Control the oil temperature : When frying chicken, make sure the oil is at the right temperature (usually between 160°C and 180°C). Use a cooking thermometer if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the chicken from burning or becoming raw.
- Proper Draining : After frying the chicken, place it on absorbent paper to remove excess oil and maintain its crispy texture.
- Sweet and Sour Lemon Sauce : Prepare the sweet and sour lemon sauce with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and garlic. Adjust the amount of sugar and lemon according to your personal preferences. The sauce should be balanced in terms of sweetness and acidity.
- Properly thicken the sauce : Simmer the sauce until it thickens. If necessary, you can add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water to speed up the thickening process.
- Assemble and serve in style : Pour the lemon sauce over the crispy chicken just before serving. Garnish with fresh lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness.
- Side Dishes : Lemon chicken is traditionally served with white rice or noodles. You can pair it with steamed vegetables or stir-fried vegetables for a more complete dish.
- Experiment and adjust : Feel free to experiment with flavors and adjust the recipe to your personal preferences. Some people prefer a sweeter lemon chicken, while others look for a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
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Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken Recipe
Yield : 6 portions
Preparation time : 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 500 g of chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon zest
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 large tablespoons of sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of cold water
- 1/4 cup flour (for breading, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (optional, if breading the chicken)
How to Make Chinese-Style Lemon Chicken in 5 Steps
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Coat them in flour if you want them breaded. In a pan with a little oil, brown the chicken strips on both sides (3-4 minutes per side if breaded or until cooked through if not). Set aside.
- For the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Pour in the lemon juice, broth (or water), and lemon zest. Add the sugar or honey and stir until dissolved.
- Add the cornstarch mixture dissolved in cold water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken strips on a plate and pour the hot sauce over them. Serve with white rice or sautéed vegetables.
And the chicken? How is it made?