Hong Sue Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish

If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, you might be familiar with Hong Sue Chicken, a tasty and savory dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Now, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious meal, as well as provide you with some interesting facts about its origin and nutritional value.

What is Hong Sue Chicken?

Chicken hong sue is a popular Chinese-American dish that is made by stir-frying chicken pieces with a mixture of vegetables and a sweet and tangy sauce.

The sauce typically contains ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and garlic, giving it a rich and complex flavor.

The dish is usually served with rice or noodles and garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Ingredients and Equipment

To make Hong Sue Chicken Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

You will also need the following equipment:

• A large skillet or wok
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk

Preparation

Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare all the ingredients and equipment, so everything is within reach. Here are the steps:

1. Wash and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Wash and slice the bell peppers and onion. Peel and slice the carrot.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
4. Mince the garlic cloves.

Cooking Instructions

Now that everything is ready let’s move on to the cooking instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and carrot, and stir-fry until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over the top.
6. Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Hong Sue

• For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet or wok, as this can cause the chicken and vegetables to steam instead of stir-fry.
• Adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preferences. You can add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
• For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.

Nutritional Value

Chicken hong sue is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 1450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 38g

Variations of Chicken Hong Sue

There are many variations of chicken hong sue, depending on the region and personal preferences. Here are some ideas to try:

• Substitute the chicken with pork or shrimp.
• Add more vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Use different sauces, such as teriyaki or sweet and sour sauce.
• Add cashews or peanuts for extra crunch.
• Make it spicy by adding more chili paste or hot sauce.

Hong Sue Chicken: A Brief History

The origin of Hong Sue Chicken is unclear, but it’s believed to be a Chinese-American dish that originated in San Francisco in the early 20th century.

The dish was likely created to appeal to the American palate, which was not accustomed to the spicier and more complex flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Health Benefits

Hong Sue Chicken can be a healthy and nutritious meal, depending on the ingredients and preparation method. Here are some potential health benefits:

• Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
• Vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote digestive health and support the immune system.
• The sauce contains garlic, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help prevent infections.
• By stir-frying the ingredients, you can retain more of the nutrients compared to boiling or steaming.

Serving Suggestions

It is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Add it to a salad for a light and refreshing lunch.
• Wrap it in a lettuce leaf or tortilla for a healthy and portable snack.
• Use it as a filling for dumplings or spring rolls.
• Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple green salad.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to marinate the chicken for this dish?

The best way to marinate the chicken is to mix it with the sauce ingredients in a large bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for chicken.

3. What type of rice is best served with chicken hong sue?

Traditionally, white rice is served with chicken hong sue, but you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a healthier option.

4. How long can I store leftover Hong Sue Chicken?

Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

5. Is Hong Sue Chicken a spicy dish?

No, Hong Sue Chicken is not typically a spicy dish. However, you can add some heat by adding more chili paste or hot sauce to the sauce.

Conclusion

Hong Sue Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese-American dish that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce.

With a few simple tips and variations, you can customize the dish to your taste and enjoy it as a balanced and nutritious meal.

Whether you serve it over rice, in a salad, or as a snack, chicken hong sue is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.