Can't Believe It's Allergy Free!

When its time for a Chinese’ Take-out’ dinner, there has to be a yummy alternative for anyone with allergies.  The oriental sauce in this recipe is delicious, easy to make and can be combined with chicken, beef, pork lamb,, veggies—whatever you have in your freezer.  Before the dinner order reaches your doorstep, you can have this tasty dish ready for the child who cannot have Chinese restaurant food.

Note  Wheat is usually used in the fermentation of soy sauce.  Gluten free soy sauce is available in some specialty stores, and can be used safely.  If soy itself is an issue, skip using it.  The sauce in this recipe tastes just as yummy without it.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound boneless chicken, cut into one inch cubes
• 1 large green pepper roughly cut into large pieces
• 2/3 cup diced, canned pineapple.
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 heaped teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste.

For the Oriental Sauce

• 1/2 cup water
• 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (red chilly powder), or to taste
• 2 teaspoons Gluten Free soy sauce (optional)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root (optional)

Method

To prepare chicken

1. Rub salt and garlic onto chicken pieces, and set aside
2. Heat oil in a heavy bottom skillet on low heat and stir in sugar till it caramelizes.
3. Add chicken pieces and saute till coated.
4. Drizzle a little water, cover and cook on medium heat, for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove cover, add cut green pepper, and ground black pepper.
6. Drizzle a little more water if chicken is too dry
7. Cover and cook for 3 – 5 minutes or till chicken is cooked.
8. Uncover, add diced pineapple and remove from heat

To prepare sauce.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients except chopped cilantro leaves and grated ginger.
2. Place saucepan on stovetop, and using medium heat, keep stirring ingredients until sauce comes to a boil and thickens,
3. Lower heat, and stir in chopped cilantro.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Place prepared chicken in serving bowl, and pour sauce over it.
6. Garnish with grated fresh ginger root if desired.

Chef’s tip:  

Freeze leftovers to pull out when time is short.  Double the recipe and prepare for the whole family, as they will love it too!