Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Panda Express Orange Chicken

Ok I will admit it. I like Panda Express. I know it's not real Chinese food but I think it is tasty. I especially like the orange chicken. It must be their best selling dish by far. I have a little theory that all of their customers order the orange chicken. If you eat there and you don't get orange chicken please leave a comment so I can disprove my theory.

I found a recipe online for the orange chicken so I can make it at home any time I have a craving for Panda Express. It is awesome!! It really does taste like the real thing!



Panda Express Orange Chicken
http://www.recipezaar.com/103215

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
white pepper
oil (for frying)
1/2 cup cornstarch, plus
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon gingerroot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed hot red chili peppers
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon rice wine
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

Orange Sauce for Stir Fry
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
1 orange, zest of


1. Place chicken pieces in large bowl.
2. Stir in egg, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon oil and mix well.
3. Stir cornstarch and flour together.
4. Add chicken pieces, stirring to coat.
5. Heat oil for deep-frying in wok or deep-fryer to 375 degrees.
6. Add chicken, small batches at a time, and fry 3 to 4 minutes or until golden crisp.
7. (Do not overcook chicken).
8. Remove chicken from oil with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; set aside.
9. Clean wok and heat 15 seconds over high heat.
10. Add 1 tablespoon oil.
11. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant; about 10 seconds.
12. Add and stir-fry crushed chiles and green onions.
13. Add rice wine and stir 3 seconds.
14. Add Orange Sauce and bring to boil.
15. Add cooked chicken, stirring until well mixed.
16. Stir water into remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth and add to chicken.
17. Heat until sauce is thickned.
18. Stir in sesame oil and orange zest if desired.
19. Serve over jasmine rice.

2 comments:

Crystal's Creations said...

Okay you are making me hungry! I have been looking for an orange sauce recipe and the chocolate crinkles look wonderful! Thanks for posting!

Jaime said...

this is my favorite dish at panda express! i always order it :) i so am excited to try this recipe, thanks for sharing it! if you are looking for a healthier version where it is not deep fried, check out this recipe: http://good-eats-n-sweet-treats.blogspot.com/2007/11/no-takeout-tonight.html

it doesn't taste the same as the panda express chicken, but it's a suitable alternative when you are craving something similar w/o all the calories