Ah, the magic of Panda Express! Every time you step into one of their bustling restaurants, you’re greeted with the mouth-watering aroma of their popular dishes. Among their offerings, one dish stands out for its enticing mix of flavors and textures: the Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken. This creation brings together the nostalgic tang of traditional sweet and sour with the fiery punch of Buldak sauce, a combination that’s truly explosive in the best way possible.
Creating this culinary masterpiece at home might seem daunting, but there’s beauty in crafting a homemade version. The perk of a homemade recipe is not just the satisfaction of recreating a favorite dish, but the ability to tweak it as per your taste. Plus, you can pair it with other homemade delights from our fried-dish or even some refreshing drinks to complete the meal. Let’s delve into how you can make your own Copycat Panda Express Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken right in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
How to make Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken
The key to mastering this dish lies in getting the balance between spice and sweetness just right. The secret Panda Express sauce combines sweet notes with a punchy heat, a blend that you can perfect by adjusting sugar and Buldak sauce according to your preference. Ensuring your chicken is crispy on the outside yet juicy inside is another hallmark of this dish—something we’ll achieve by a two-step frying process.
Nutrition facts
This dish isn’t just about taste; its nutritional profile is worth discussing, too. While it’s certainly not low in calories due to its fried nature, you can still make informed choices. The chicken provides protein that’s essential for muscle building, while the bell peppers and onions contribute vitamins A and C. Remember, moderation is key, and pairing this main dish with salads from our salads category can round out the meal nutritionally.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 cup flour (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 large egg (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 cup water (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 tsp salt (Check Price on Amazon)
- Oil for frying (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1 onion, quartered (Check Price on Amazon)
- 1/2 cup Buldak sauce (Check Price on Amazon)
- 2 tbsp sweet and sour sauce (Check Price on Amazon)
Tools you’ll need
To recreate the Panda Express Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken, you’ll need a good wok or deep frying pan for that crispy coating and a mixing bowl for the sauce. A thermometer is also handy to ensure your oil reaches the right frying temperature. Additionally, a wire rack will help keep your chicken crispy after frying by allowing excess oil to drain off efficiently.
Instructions
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re all of even size so they cook uniformly. Prepare your batter by mixing flour, corn starch, water, and a pinch of salt. Dip the chicken pieces in the batter and allow them to rest on a rack while heating up your frying oil.
Once your oil reaches 350°F, fry your chicken pieces in batches until golden brown. This initial fry seals in the juices, so don’t skimp on time here. After all pieces are fried once, refry them briefly at a higher temperature (around 375°F) for an extra-crispy exterior.
In a pan, combine bell peppers and onions with the Buldak sauce and allow them to sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the double-fried chicken to the pan, tossing everything to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture!
What to serve with
This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. Alternatively, a mixed vegetable stir-fry can complement the spicy and sweet notes of the chicken. Consider serving alongside some refreshing, chilled lemon tea from our drinks category.
Variations
For those who prefer a less spicy version, you can reduce the amount of Buldak sauce and compensate with a touch more traditional sweet and sour sauce or honey for added sweetness. If you’re going gluten-free, substitute the flour and soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives, without compromising the taste.
Ingredient Substitutes
No Buldak sauce on hand? Sriracha or any hot sauce you have can act as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to match your spice preference. If you’re avoiding bell peppers, try swapping them with zucchini or broccoli for a different texture and flavor profile. Rice vinegar can stand in for white vinegar and bring a mellow tang to the dish.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 cup flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
Oil for frying
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, quartered
1/2 cup Buldak sauce
2 tbsp sweet and sour sauce
Instructions
Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Prepare batter with flour, cornstarch, egg, and water; dip chicken.
Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken until golden, then re-fry at 375°F.
Sauté bell pepper and onion, then add Buldak sauce.
Toss chicken in sauce, blend well, and serve immediately.
