Pei Wei Asian Diner Caramel Chicken
Indulge in the rich, savory-sweet flavors of Pei Wei Asian Diner Caramel Chicken, a delectable dish that brings restaurant-quality cooking to your kitchen. Featuring crispy fried chicken thighs coated in a glossy caramel sauce infused with soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and umami-packed goodness. Fragrant garlic, zesty ginger, and a touch of red chili flakes add depth and warmth, while a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds provides the perfect finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple yet impressive dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, making it an irresistible choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 0.25 cup Water
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 2 stalks Green onions (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Place the cornstarch in a bowl and dredge the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4
In a separate pan, add sugar and water over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar until it turns a light amber color, creating caramel (about 5-7 minutes). Be cautious not to burn the caramel.
Step 5
Once the caramel is ready, quickly stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and rice vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and mix well.
Step 6
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to the caramel sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Step 7
Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss to coat them thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1011.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3608.6 |
| Total Fat 291.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 48.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 567.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3397.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 139.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 101.7g | |
| Protein 125.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 31.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 205.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1464.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories