Introduction

Sweet and sour chicken noodles are a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and a tangy sauce. This recipe from Jamie Oliver not only showcases the deliciousness of this dish but also highlights the ease of preparation. Perfect for a quick dinner, these noodles are both satisfying and nutritious, making it a favorite for families and busy individuals alike.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken breast – 400g, sliced
Egg noodles – 250g
Red bell pepper – 1, sliced
Green bell pepper – 1, sliced
Carrot – 1, julienned
Spring onions – 2, chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
Rice vinegar – 3 tablespoons
Honey – 1 tablespoon
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil – for frying

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all necessary ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, shred the vegetables, and prepare the noodles according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Add the shredded vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain their crunch.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and any other desired components until well combined.

Step 5: Combine with Noodles

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, add the prepared noodles to the pan. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the noodles and mix everything together well, ensuring that the noodles and veggies are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the pan from heat and serve the sweet-sour chicken noodles hot. Garnish with any additional toppings as desired, such as sesame seeds or sliced green onions.

Notes

Note 1: Cooking Time

Adjust the cooking times based on your stove and the thickness of the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully cooked.

Note 2: Vegetable Options

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots work well.

Note 3: Noodle Choices

Different types of noodles, such as udon or rice noodles, can be used depending on your taste and dietary preferences.

Note 4: Sauce Sweetness

You can modify the sweetness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of sugar or vinegar according to your preference.

Cook techniques

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a quick cooking technique that involves cooking food in a small amount of oil over high heat. This method is perfect for keeping vegetables crisp and retaining their nutrients.

Marinating

Marinating enhances the flavor of the chicken. It involves soaking the meat in a mixture of ingredients, allowing it to absorb the flavors before cooking.

Blanching

Blanching is a technique where vegetables are briefly cooked in boiling water and then quickly cooled in ice water. This helps maintain their vibrant color and crunchiness.

Cooking Noodles

Cooking noodles properly ensures they have the right texture. They should be boiled until tender but firm, then drained and rinsed to stop the cooking process.

Balancing Flavors

Balancing flavors is crucial in sweet and sour dishes. It involves adjusting the ingredients to achieve the right mix of sweetness, acidity, and saltiness.

FAQ

What type of noodles can I use for this recipe?

You can use any kind of noodles you prefer, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or a variety of vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I adjust the sweetness or sourness?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey, and you can increase the sourness by adding more vinegar or citrus juice.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare some components in advance, such as marinating the chicken and prepping the vegetables.

What can I serve with sweet and sour chicken noodles?

This dish can be served on its own, or you can pair it with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

The Sweet and Sour Chicken Noodles recipe is a delightful dish that balances flavors of sweet and tangy with the savory goodness of chicken and vegetables. It’s a meal that can be easily adapted to suit your taste and is perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. With vibrant colors and delicious textures, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

A quick and healthy alternative, featuring seasonal vegetables and a savory soy sauce.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Combine tender chicken pieces with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Teriyaki Beef Noodles

Tender beef strips marinated in teriyaki sauce, sautéed with vegetables, and served with udon noodles.

Spicy Shrimp Noodles

Add a kick to your meal with succulent shrimp tossed in chili sauce, paired with stir-fried noodles.

Coconut Curry Chicken Noodles

Infuse your noodles with rich coconut milk and curry spices for a creamy and flavorful dish.

Peanut Sauce Tofu Noodles

Deliciously creamy peanut sauce over noodles topped with crispy tofu and fresh herbs makes for a satisfying vegan option.