Orange Chicken Chinese Recipe History

Orange Chicken is a Chinese/North American dish believed to be of Chinese Hunan origin. Hunan cuisine is one of the eight regional cuisines of China and is well known for its hot spicy flavor, fresh aroma and deep color. Common cooking techniques include stewing, frying, pot-roasting, braising, and smoking. Ingredients for Hunan dishes are many and varied. Hunan menus generally change with the season. Cool dishes in summer, hot dishes in the winter.

North American orange/lemon chicken comes in wide variety of "formats". It can be in almost any form that chicken has been cooked. This would include, fried, diced, chopped, and battered.... and of course the batter can also vary widely. Then add the topping or sauces. These too, have many possibilities. The basis of course of the toppings is orange, or an orange / lemon flavored sauce. When these toppings "caramelize" (become brownish in colour and sweet) the appearance is very mouth watering and one is usually never surprised at how good the orange chicken recipe tastes.

There is also no set rule about cooking except to make sure it is completely cooked. (no pink meat). You may roast, smoke, stew, bake, or fry it. Fried chicken is without a doubt, one of the most popular chicken dishes in American. Make it orange chicken and you have just moved everything up a notch or two. Add spices and other garnishing to taste. It is highly probable that a person from China, may not easily recognize the North American, "Orange Chicken" dish. (also sometimes called - orange peel chicken or tangerine chicken.... and keep in mind that a version of orange chicken is done with lemon, with the rest of the recipe and cooking methods being compatible.

Orange chicken is usually deep-fried first and then stir-fried in a sauce which is often soy based. Western cooking styles usually include considerably more sugar than would be traditionally used in China. The sauce would be flavored with chopped dried or fresh orange peels. The garnish is usually vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, parsley, or whatever the cook may feel will taste and look appealing. By simply putting the orange chicken on a bed of rice, you can provide a simple yet delicious tasting and great looking complete meal for your family or dinner guests. Top it all off with your favorite wine and light a candle or two - and look out - you have an elegant meal.

Enjoy!