138.8…P.F. Chang’s Chang’s Spicy Chicken

My son’s favorite restaurant of all time is P.F. Chang’s. This is because of one specific dish: Chang’s Spicy Chicken. He eats it for his birthday, when it’s his turn to choose a restaurant, after an accomplishment, etc. It’s always the same. On our most recent visit there, he said to me: “Mommy, you can cook anything. Can you please make me Spicy Chicken?” How could I say no?

I googled the recipe and low and behold, it existed! A copy cat version at least. My son’s dreams were about to come true!

I made it for lunch yesterday and watched him gobble up half the recipe. While it wasn’t 100% the same, it was pretty darn close!

P.F. Chang’s Chang’s Spicy Chicken (Serves 2)

Original recipe courtesy Epicurious.com 

Sauce:

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic (3 to 4 cloves)
3 tablespoons chopped green onions (about 3 onions)
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons chili sauce
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Chicken:

1 cup vegetable oil
2 chicken breast fillets
1/3 cup cornstarch

Directions:

1. Make the sauce by heating 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in medium saucepan. Sauté the garlic and onion in the oil for just a few seconds, not allowing the ingredients to burn, then quickly add the pineapple juice, followed by chili sauce, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.

2. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water and add it to the other ingredients in the saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil and continue to simmer on medium/high heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until thick and syrupy.

3. Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a wok or a medium saucepan over medium heat.

4. While oil heats up, chop chicken breast fillets into bite-size pieces. In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until well-dusted.

5. Sauté coated chicken in the hot oil, stirring occasionally, until light brown. Remove chicken to a rack or paper towels to drain for a moment. Pour chicken into a medium bowl, add sauce and toss well to coat chicken. Serve immediately with rice on the side.

Printable Recipe

 

I took my daughter to a birthday party yesterday afternoon. They had all sorts of delicious looking food but I was good. I knew where we were going for dinner and I didn’t want to spoil it!

I can’t remember how long it’s been since we’ve been to “Burger Night” at our club. Last night we went back. It was glorious.

My husband and I split a Caesar salad while we waited for our burger goodness to arrive.

Just when I thought I couldn’t wait any longer, my dreams were realized.

Hello gorgeous. May I introduce you to my burger: beef patty, pepper jack cheese, garlic aioli, arugula, red onion, tomato and a giant side of onion rings.

I slept very well.

Breakfast this morning was the same as usual: pineapple Chobani yogurt, Cascadian Farms Berry Granola, blueberries and raspberries.

I took the kid to school and went to Cardio Muscle class.

Awhile back, Alicia and I got talking about all the new burger joints in San Diego and how I have only been to a couple of them and what a SHAME that was. My husband has been to almost ALL of them…don’t even get me started on that. I’m super jealous. So….she suggested we do a “Burger Crawl” through San Diego and hit them up! Time to get rid of all that jealously!

Today was our first “Burger Crawl” stop. We chose The Habit.

(Notice the Cholula) :)

The Habit was founded in 1969 (where have I been??), uses fresh ingredients and charbroils their burgers. They are a quick burger joint so if you’re looking for something fast, this is the place for you. Our burgers were ready in under 5 minutes.

I opted for the “Charburger”: mayonnaise, pickle, tomato, lettuce and caramelized onions on a toasted bun. I choose the “frings”: half fries, half onion rings.

Verdict:

The burger was good but nothing special. I enjoyed it but the meat wasn’t very flavorful. It tasted like a standard burger, nothing I’d crave or have to run out and get.  Grade: B

The fries were delicious. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside. Grade: A-

Onion Rings: Fabulous. Perfection. Grade: A

Ranch dressing: I’m a ranch dressing snob. The ranch was on par…the way ranch is supposed to taste. Grade: A

Stay tuned for the next stop on our “Burger Crawl.” I know I’m looking forward it. I love burgers Hey…I ate 2 in less than 24 hours. You could say I have problems…..

Have you been to The Habit?

What’s your favorite burger place?

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