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Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce

Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce Bliss

Enjoy these Crispy Chinese Chicken Balls with Sweet and Sour Sauce, a delectable homemade alternative to takeout.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 cup Cornstarch helps achieve crispiness
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder makes the batter airy
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar adds sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Salt enhances flavor
  • 1.5 cups Cold Water ice-cold for best results
  • Vegetable Oil for frying
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Brown Sugar provides the sweet base
  • 3 tablespoons Ketchup adds thickness
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar brings acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice brightens flavor
  • 0.5 cup Water to adjust sauce consistency
  • 1.5 teaspoons Cornstarch to thicken sauce
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt balances flavors

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or heavy pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Prepare the Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until blended, then gradually pour in 1½ cups of ice-cold water, mixing until the batter is smooth and thickened.
Coat the Chicken
  1. Thoroughly pat dry your bite-sized chicken pieces. Dip each piece into the prepared batter, ensuring it's fully coated.
Fry the Chicken Balls
  1. In a deep fryer or heavy pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place battered chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches, fry for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and ½ cup of water. Whisk until the sugar dissolves, then gradually stir in 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water, heating until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
Serve
  1. Arrange the crispy chicken balls on a serving platter and serve them hot alongside your sweet and sour sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider double frying the chicken balls; fry once to cook through, let rest, then fry again.

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