Vegan Spicy Orange "Chicken"

This is a paid collaboration with New Kenji Rice.

Don't you just love discovering meals that instantly become one of your favourites? This is exactly how I feel about this recipe. I tried orange chicken a couple of times when I was younger and being a typical picky child, it wasn't something I particularly liked, but as I've grown older, I've become more open to trying new flavours and ingredients. Which meant trying out my own version of classic orange chicken instantly became appealing.

I absolutely love oranges, but had never thought about putting them in my own cooking.. well, until now. I also thought this recipe deserved a bit of a spicy kick and it definitely makes the recipe so much more enjoyable as you get the sweetness from the maple syrup and orange juice, but a bit of spice from the chilli. It's honestly my perfect meal.

This recipe is also really quick and easy, especially with the help of New Kenji Sushi Rice. This rice obviously doesn't have to be used just for sushi, as it is basically just sticky rice - which makes the perfect side for this meal. As it only takes two minutes to cook, it means that this recipe can be ready so much faster. 

- VEGAN SPICY ORANGE "CHICKEN" -

Serves: 1   Prep Time: 5 mins   Cook Time: 10 mins

You will need:

- 1 1/4 cups orange juice, fresh or from concentrate

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 2 tbsp maple syrup

- 1 tsp chilli flakes (you could also use fresh chillies)

- 2 garlic cloves, crushed

- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger

- 2 tsp cornstarch

- 170g vegan "chicken" pieces, (I use Quorn, but you could use any meat substitute)

- 1/4 - 1/2 tub of New Kenji Rice

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- broccoli *optional

- sesame seeds *optional

Method:

1. In a frying pan on low - medium heat, add the olive oil.

2. Add your vegan meat substitute to the pan and allow it to cook halfway through the packet instruction time. 

3. Add in the garlic and ginger and allow this to cook with the "chicken" for a minute.

4. In a bowl / jug, add the orange juice, chilli flakes, maple syrup and soy sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and pour it into the frying pan, turning the heat down to low.

5. Add the cornstarch to the frying pan and keep stirring until the sauce becomes thicker, making sure that there are no lumps. 

6. Remove the outer sleeve to the New Kenji Rice and slightly peel back the seal, not fully. Pour a teaspoon of water into the rice and shake the tub around gently. Place it in the microwave for two minutes. 

7. Once the rice is done, pour out about 1/4 - 1/2 of the tub (depending on how much you want) onto a plate. 

8. Remove the orange "chicken" from the heat and serve it up with the rice. Sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds on top, along with some spring onion and a small serving of broccoli.

I absolutely love this recipe and can't wait to keep making it all year round as it is simply delicious.

What's your favourite meal?

Love Always,

Shannon x