What Is Chicken with Almond Ding? An Inside Look at This Tasty Dish

Chicken with Almond Ding – have you heard of this tasty dish before? As someone who loves cooking and trying new recipes, I was curious when I first came across it on a Chinese restaurant menu. It sounded intriguing so I did some digging to find out more.

I will explain what Chicken with Almond Ding is, where it comes from, how to make it, and why it’s so damn tasty in this article. Follow my lead, and you’ll soon be a pro at Chicken with Almond Ding!

A Mystery Dish Uncovered

So what exactly is Chicken with Almond Ding? Well, it’s a stir-fry made with (you guessed it) chicken, almonds, and an assortment of vegetables, all brought together in a flavorful sauce The name comes from the Cantonese word “ding” meaning cubes or small pieces.

This refers to the diced chicken and vegetables that get stirred up in the wok or skillet when cooking The almonds add crunch and a subtle nutty taste It’s a real treat for the tastebuds!

While Chicken with Almond Ding is served in many North American Chinese restaurants, its exact origins are uncertain. However, food historians believe it emerged as Chinese immigrants adapted traditional dishes to suit American tastes.

The addition of ingredients like almonds and the sweet-savory sauce makes it more aligned with the Western palate. An ingenious culinary mash-up if you ask me!

A Symphony of Texture and Flavor

So what makes Chicken with Almond Ding so darn tasty? Well, it’s all about the textures and flavors.

First, you’ve got tender, juicy chicken pieces stir-fried to perfection. Then there’s the satisfying crunch of the almonds and vegetables. Crunchy water chestnuts, snappy bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and celery all make an appearance.

The sauce pulls it all together. It strikes a balance between sweet and savory, with a lightly thickened texture from cornstarch. Chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and a touch of sugar create tons of savory umami flavor. Yum!

As you dig in, you get the sweetness of the sauce, the saltiness of the soy, the meaty savoriness of the oyster sauce, and the addictive crunch of the almonds. It’s like a party in your mouth!

How to Make Restaurant-Worthy Chicken with Almond Ding at Home

Want to try whipping up this tasty cuisine at home? I’ve got your back. Making Chicken with Almond Ding is easier than you think!

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Blanched slivered almonds
• Assorted diced veggies like celery, water chestnuts, carrots, bamboo shoots, mushrooms
• Chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, sugar
• Cornstarch for thickening

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken pieces in soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch.
2. Prepare the sauce by whisking together the broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
3. Stir-fry the chicken over high heat until browned.
4. Remove chicken from wok and stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp.
5. Return chicken to wok and add prepared sauce. Simmer until thickened.
6. Stir in blanched almonds.
7. Serve over steamed white rice.

These tips will help you make Chicken with Almond Ding that tastes like it came from a restaurant in no time. Try different combinations of vegetables and sauce to make it your own.

Variations on a Theme

Chicken with Almond Ding has been changed in creative ways, as any dish that crosses cultural boundaries does.

In some Chinese restaurants, crunchy cashews or peanuts are used instead of or along with the almonds. Others throw in water chestnuts or peas for extra texture.

The sauce can range from very sweet to pleasantly salty depending on regional tastes. Spice-lovers may add a touch of chili paste or red pepper flakes. Vegetarian versions use tofu or seitan instead of chicken.

So feel free to get creative and make this Chinese-American classic your own! The basic formula of chicken, nuts, veggies, and savory-sweet sauce is foolproof.

FAQs About Chicken with Almond Ding

If you’re still hungry for more info about Chicken with Almond Ding, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is Chicken with Almond Ding authentic Chinese food?

No, it’s considered a Chinese-American dish invented in America, not an authentic Chinese recipe.

Can I use cashews or peanuts instead of almonds?

Absolutely! The nuts can be swapped around. Just skip any blanching step for peanuts.

How can I make it vegetarian/vegan?

Substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu, seitan, or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and mushroom sauce instead of chicken broth and oyster sauce.

What’s a good substitution for oyster sauce?

You can use more soy sauce, mushroom sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet bean sauce instead.

How do I get the sauce thicker?

Add a slurry of cornstarch and water and simmer until desired thickness is reached.

Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken and cut the veggies ahead of time. Cook the sauce right before serving.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate in a sealed container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

What are some good side dishes?

Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens, roasted broccoli, vegetable egg rolls, and wonton soup.

How can I adjust the flavor?

Add more sugar for sweetness, soy/oyster sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, sesame oil for nuttiness.

Is Chicken with Almond Ding healthy?

It provides protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the chicken and veggies. But sodium levels can be high, so watch your sauce quantities.

A Crowd-Pleasing Classic

From its murky origins to its modern variations, Chicken with Almond Ding has staying power for good reason – it’s delicious! With its crave-worthy crunch, savory-sweet sauce, and customizable flair, this Chinese-American creation is a winner in my book.