This dish is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors, combining the satisfying chew of Chinese rice gnocchi (nian gao) with the tangy sweetness of classic sweet and sour chicken. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on traditional recipes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• For the Sweet and Sour Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
  • 1/4 cup water
• For the Rice Gnocchi:
  • 1 cup glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil (for pan-frying)

Instructions:

Rice Gnocchi:

1. In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, water, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Roll the dough into a long log and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.
5. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.

Sweet and Sour Chicken:

1. In a bowl, combine cornstarch and flour. Coat the chicken pieces in the mixture.
2. Dip the chicken in the beaten egg.
3. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened.
5. Add the pineapple chunks and cook for a minute.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
7. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens.
9. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.

Assembly:

1. In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Pan-fry the cooked rice gnocchi until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
3. Serve the sweet and sour chicken over the crispy rice gnocchi.

Tips & Tricks:

• For extra crispy gnocchi, you can deep-fry them instead of pan-frying.
• Adjust the sweetness and sourness of the sauce to your liking.
• Add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snow peas to the chicken.
• Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles.

Variations:

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce for a kick.
• Pineapple-Free: Omit the pineapple for a more traditional sweet and sour flavor.
• Vegetarian: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.

Sides:

• Egg Drop Soup: A light and flavorful soup to complement the richness of the main dish.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy and savory, these make a great appetizer or side.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A simple side dish that adds color and nutrients to your meal.

This dish is a delightful fusion of Chinese and Western flavors, sure to impress your family and friends. The sweet and sour sauce brings a burst of flavor to the savory chicken, while the chewy rice gnocchi adds a satisfying textural contrast. It’s a delicious and unique dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.