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?

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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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(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.

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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?

Comments

  1. If I ever make it to California - you need to take me to burger night! :D

    I would have:

    kobe beef burger, pepper jack cheese, chimichuri sauce, pickled jalapenos, smoked bacon on a brioche bun. :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. @mybizzykitchen.com
    Wow! I like the way you think! I may have to try this next time!

    ReplyDelete

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