Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 bunch of garland chrysanthemum (about 200g)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or a deep pot for frying
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
Step-by-step instructions:
Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
1. In a saucepan, combine water, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
2. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
3. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.
4. Add pineapple chunks (optional) and stir. Set aside.
Preparing the Fried Garland Chrysanthemum:
1. Rinse the garland chrysanthemum under running water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add cold water. Mix well.
4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pot over medium-high heat.
6. Dip the garland chrysanthemum into the batter, making sure it is coated evenly.
7. Carefully place the battered garland chrysanthemum into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove the fried garland chrysanthemum from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the fried garland chrysanthemum with the sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
5. Temperature:
Oil temperature for frying: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
This recipe serves 2-3 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 310
Total fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 1028mg
Total carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 17g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
- You can use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- You can use any type of flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Variations:
- You can add chopped garlic or ginger to the sweet and sour sauce for extra flavor.
- You can add chopped scallions or cilantro to the fried garland chrysanthemum for garnish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the garland chrysanthemum to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Do not overcrowd the fryer or pot with too many garland chrysanthemum at once to ensure even frying.
- Serve the sweet and sour sauce on the side to prevent the fried garland chrysanthemum from getting soggy.
Storage instructions:
Store the leftover fried garland chrysanthemum and sweet and sour sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the fried garland chrysanthemum in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Reheat the sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the fried garland chrysanthemum on a platter and drizzle the sweet and sour sauce over it. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.
Garnishes:
Chopped scallions or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Steamed rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Grilled chicken or fish
Suggested side dishes:
- Egg drop soup
- Hot and sour soup
- Wonton soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too thick, add more water to thin it out.
- If the batter is too thin, add more flour to thicken it.
- If the fried garland chrysanthemum is too greasy, drain excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.
Food safety advice:
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature to prevent burns and fires.
- Do not leave the hot oil unattended.
- Use caution when handling hot oil and fried food.
Food history:
Garland chrysanthemum, also known as tong hao in Chinese, is a leafy green vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It is rich in vitamins A and C and has a slightly bitter taste. Sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine and is often served with fried foods.
Flavor profiles:
The fried garland chrysanthemum has a crispy texture with a slightly bitter taste. The sweet and sour sauce is tangy and sweet with a hint of umami.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the fried garland chrysanthemum with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Chinese