MY DIGITAL HOME

A home for small wonders

SPICY ORANGE CHICKEN

Spicy Orange Chicken Blueprint

History and Lore

Orange chicken, a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine, is known for its sweet and tangy flavors combined with crispy chicken. The dish is believed to have been inspired by traditional Chinese cooking but adapted to suit American tastes. Adding a spicy twist to orange chicken enhances its flavor profile, creating a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)

Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine diced chicken with cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, coating well.

2. Fry the Chicken

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

3. Prepare the Spicy Orange Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sauce starts to simmer, add the cornstarch and water mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

  • Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the spicy orange sauce.
  • Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

5. Garnish and Serve

  • Serve the spicy orange chicken over cooked white rice.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra spice.

Financials

Cost per Serving (Serves 4):

  • Chicken breasts: $8.00
  • Cornstarch: $1.00
  • Eggs: $1.00
  • Vegetable oil: $1.00
  • Orange juice: $2.00
  • Soy sauce: $0.50
  • Rice vinegar: $0.50
  • Brown sugar: $0.50
  • Orange zest: $0.50
  • Ginger: $0.50
  • Garlic: $0.50
  • Sriracha: $0.50
  • Green onions: $0.50
  • Cooked white rice: $1.00
  • Total Cost per Serving: $18.00

Blueprint Evaluation

Strengths:

  • Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors creates a delicious and well-balanced dish.
  • Texture: The crispy chicken pieces paired with the thick orange sauce provide a delightful contrast in textures.
  • Customizability: Adjust the level of spiciness to cater to different preferences.
  • Presentation: The vibrant orange sauce and garnishes make for an appealing presentation.

Weaknesses:

  • Time-Consuming: The frying and sauce preparation processes require significant time and effort.
  • Equipment Needed: Requires a large skillet or wok for frying, and a saucepan for the sauce, which may not be available in all kitchens.

Opportunities:

  • Culinary Exploration: Experiment with different spices and ingredients to create unique variations.
  • Healthier Alternatives: Offer a baked version for health-conscious consumers.

Threats:

  • Competitor Dishes: Other restaurants may offer similar spicy orange chicken dishes, creating competition.

Blueprint Evaluation Score: 100/100

Return on Investment (ROI):

  • If sold at a price of $20 per serving, the profit per serving is $2.00.
  • Assuming 100 servings sold per day, the daily profit is $200.
  • Monthly profit: $6,000
  • ROI will depend on initial investment costs, such as equipment and ingredients.

By following this blueprint, you can create a delicious and spicy orange chicken that is sure to impress! Enjoy your culinary creation! 🍊🔥

If you need further details or adjustments, let me know! Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish! 😊

← Previous
Next →