Lemon Chicken is a Chinese dish that has a universal appeal. Its tangy flavor and crispy exterior make it incredibly popular. With its golden crispy exterior and succulent chicken drenched in a zesty lime sauce, this iconic dish has become a mainstay in Chinese takeaway menus around the world. It is not easy to master the art of making authentic Chinese Lemon Chicken takeaway style at home, despite its popularity. We will reveal the secrets to creating this dish’s perfect version in this culinary adventure.
Origin and Evolution
Lemon Chicken, also known as Chinese-American Cuisine, is a fusion between traditional Chinese cooking methods and Western flavors. Although its origins are disputed, the dish became popular in Chinese restaurants throughout the United States by the mid-20th Century. It has been a favorite on Chinese take-out menus around the world since then.
The Key Ingredients
It’s important to know the ingredients that make up the Chinese takeaway style Lemon Chicken before we begin cooking.
- Chicken: This dish is usually made with boneless chicken breast meat or thigh. The meat is thinly cut or cubed to ensure quick and even cooking.\
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is a key ingredient in achieving the signature crisp coating on chicken. Cornstarch creates a light, airy texture that ensures the chicken is tender inside and crispy outside.
- Eggs: The chicken is coated with beaten eggs before being dusted in cornstarch. This step creates a crisper exterior and enhances golden color.
- Lemon: The zest and juice of fresh lemons are vital to infuse the dish with a vibrant citrus flavor. Lemon wedges or slices are also used to garnish dishes for a visual boost and a burst of flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sweetener is used to balance out the acidity of lemon juice. This results in a sauce with a perfect blend of sweet-sour flavors.
- Soy sauce: It adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce. Choose low-sodium sauce to reduce the saltiness.
- Garlic and Ginger : Garlic and ginger add a complex aroma to the dish and enhance its flavor.
- Broth de chicken: Adds depth and richness by providing a flavorful base to the sauce. Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian alternative.
The Cooking Process
Let’s begin the culinary adventure of making Chinese Lemon Chicken takeaway style.
Step 1: Prepare your Chicken
- To begin, thinly slice or cube the chicken breast meat or thigh into bite-sized chunks.
- Combine the chicken in a bowl with a teaspoon of soy sauce and salt. Make sure each piece is coated evenly.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and season them with salt and black pepper.
- Then, coat the chicken pieces with cornstarch. Shake off any excess.
Step 2: Fry your chicken
- Heat vegetable oil over medium heat in a deep skillet or wok until it reaches 375degF (174degC).
- Add the chicken pieces in batches to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes for each batch.
- Transfer the cooked fried chicken onto a plate covered with paper towels. This will allow any excess oil to be drained.
Step 3: Prepare Lemon Sauce
- Combine fresh lemon juice with lemon zest in a small pan. Add sugar, soya sauce, garlic and ginger minced.
- Stir occasionally while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat. Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved and sauce has thickened slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare a slurry in a separate bowl by mixing cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the slurry gradually to the sauce while stirring constantly until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should cover the back of a wooden spoon.
Step 4: Combine, Serve
- Add the fried pieces of chicken to the pan once the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Toss gently to evenly coat the pieces with the lemon sauce.
- For a splash of color and flavor, garnish with green onions and lemon wedges.
- Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors with this Chinese takeaway classic!
The conclusion of the article is:
Mastering the art and technique of Chinese Lemon Chicken, as served in Chinese takeouts, is a culinary adventure that rewards you with a combination of crispy textures and vibrant citrus flavors. You can easily recreate this dish at home by following the instructions in this guide. Lemon Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on a weeknight or as the centerpiece for a party. Roll up your sleeves and sharpen your culinary skill to embark on an exciting journey that will take you back to the busy streets of Chinatown.