The allure of Chinese Lemon Chicken lies not just in its sweet and tangy flavor, but also in its surprising origins.
While the name suggests a dish deeply rooted in Chinese culinary tradition, it’s actually a creation of Chinese immigrants catering to Western palates. Lemons, though not widely used in classic Chinese cooking, provided a familiar citrusy brightness that resonated with new audiences. This innovative dish, born from adaptation and cultural exchange, has become a beloved staple of Chinese takeout menus around the world.
The crispy, golden chicken pieces enveloped in a glossy lemon sauce are a delightful textural and flavor contrast. The sweet and tangy sauce cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, making it a surprisingly well-balanced dish. And while Lemon Chicken is delicious on its own, it also pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, absorbing the sauce’s deliciousness with every bite. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas add a welcome freshness and complete this satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sherry or cooking wine
- 4 spring onions
- 1 piece ginger
- 500 gram chicken (boned, cut into 1-inch strips)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon rind
- 125 gram Chinese mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 chili pepper (seeded and minced)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 3 romaine lettuce leaves (diced)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sherry, spring onions, lettuce leaves, and ginger.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, soak the mushrooms in hot water until they are soft, then remove the hard stems.
- Heat the oil in a wok or deep frying pan. Add the sliced mushrooms and the chili pepper. Stir-fry for one minute.
- Add the marinated chicken and the marinade to the wok. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and lemon rind. Cook for another minute.
- Serve with steamed rice, garnished with sliced lemon and chopped spring onion or slices of cucumber.
Nutritional Information
- Per serving
- Energy: 320 kcal / 1338 kJ
- Fat: 18 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 9 g
