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Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce Delight

Enjoy these Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce—my ultimate comfort food, easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Swap with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • 0.5 cup Cornstarch Key to achieving light, crispy batter.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures batter puffs up.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Use brown sugar for a richer hint.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Elevates overall flavor.
  • 0.75 cup Cold Water Use ice-cold for extra crispiness.
  • 3 cups Vegetable Oil Consider healthier options like avocado or coconut oil.
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness to the sauce.
  • 0.5 cup Ketchup Base of the sauce, providing sweetness and tang.
  • 0.25 cup Vinegar Rice vinegar gives an authentic taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice is a good substitute.
  • 0.5 cup Water Used to adjust sauce consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Thicken the sauce to desired consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavors.
Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts or Thighs Choose thighs for more moisture.

Equipment

  • Deep fryer
  • mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring until smooth.
  2. Pat dry chicken breasts or thighs, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side, and drain on a wire rack.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, water, and cornstarch. Stir until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Arrange the chicken balls on a platter and drizzle with sweet and sour sauce or serve on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider double frying your chicken balls and always keep the oil temperature consistent.

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