Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls – If you’re someone who appreciates Chinese cuisine get ready, for a surprise. Our Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls recipe offers a blend of crispy chicken goodness and the irresistible flavors of sour sauce. Whether you want to serve it as an appetizer or a satisfying main course this dish is sure to win over your taste buds. The crispy batter is both easy to make and incredibly delicious making this recipe a definite crowd pleaser.
I can still vividly recall the first time I attempted to make these chicken balls at home. It was on a weekend when I wanted to treat my family to a Chinese feast. As the tantalizing aroma of frying chicken wafted through the kitchen my husband and child couldn’t resist sneaking in for a peek. Their eyes lit up with delight when I presented them with these nuggets generously coated in sweet and sour sauce. Since that day our dinner table has regularly witnessed requests, for these Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls.
What Makes This Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls Truly Stand Out?
What makes our Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls truly stand out is its combination of textures and flavors. The crispy golden batter gives way to tender pieces of chicken while the sweet and sour sauce adds the right tangy kick. Moreover, it’s remarkably simple to prepare, guaranteeing that you can relish dishes of restaurant caliber within the comfort of your residence.
What You Need To Make This Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls Recipe?
Flour and Cornstarch Blend: The secret, to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies in combining all-purpose flour with cornstarch. The flour gives structure to the batter while the cornstarch adds an airy crunch. For a lighter batter, you can swap regular water with sparkling water.
Baking Powder: Adding baking powder is essential for creating a fluffier batter. It’s what gives these chicken balls their crispiness.
Garlic Powder: Never underestimate the impact of garlic powder. It subtly infuses the batter with a subtle, savory flavor that beautifully complements the sour sauce.
Salt and Pepper: A dash of salt and pepper in the batter ensures a balanced flavor profile. It enhances the aspect of the dish without overpowering the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce.
Chicken: Opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces. This choice guarantees tender and juicy chicken balls on the inside.
Vegetable Oil: When it comes to frying it’s best to use oil with a smoke point, such as vegetable oil. Ensure it reaches, around 375°F or 190°C before adding the chicken balls for that delightful crunch.
Sweet and Sour Sauce: Although it’s convenient to use your store-bought sweet and sour sauce you can also try making your own sauce, for a personalized touch. Take the opportunity to experiment with brands and flavors until you discover the match for your taste buds.
Steps To Make Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls:
Step 1: Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring until you achieve a creamy batter. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Next heat 4 cups of oil in a medium to large pot until it reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Take the chicken pieces. Dip them into the batter making sure they are fully coated.
Step 4: Carefully place the battered chicken into the oil. You’ll know they’re ready when they rise to the surface and turn a golden brown color all over. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 5: Using a spoon transfer the chicken balls to a bowl lined with paper towels to remove any oil.
Step 6: Once your chicken balls are crispy and golden it’s time to add some sweet and sour goodness. Pour your favorite sweet and sour sauce over the chicken balls ensuring each one is generously coated.
Step 7: Serve these delicious Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls away as an appetizer or, as a main course.
Tip:
To ensure your Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls are extra crispy, place them on a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels. This prevents them from becoming soggy by permitting any extra oil to drip away, keeping the batter perfectly crunchy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Of course! This recipe usually calls for chicken. Feel free to try out other meats, like shrimp or pork for a delicious twist.
Can I make the batter in advance?
It’s recommended to make the batter before frying so that it stays crispy. However, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time. Add water when you’re ready to fry.
How can I store leftover chicken balls?
If you happen to have any leftovers simply store them in an airtight container, in the refrigerator. To keep their crispiness intact just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 2 cups water
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- To make the batter combine 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of powder and 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, in a bowl. Gradually add 2 cups of water while stirring until you have a batter. Set it aside.
- Next heat 4 cups of oil in a pot to reach a temperature of around 375°F (190°C).
- Cut 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite pieces. Dip each piece into the batter to ensure it is fully coated.
- Carefully drop the battered chicken into the oil. Fry them until they turn brown and float to the top; this should take 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once cooked use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken pieces from the oil and let any oil drip off. Drizzle your sweet and sour sauce, over them.
- Serve your Homemade Sweet and Sour Chinese Chicken Balls as either an appetizer or a satisfying main course. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
