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How Do I Choose the Best Orange Chicken Marinade?

Lee Johnson
Lee Johnson

Chefs choose the best orange chicken marinade by looking at the specific ingredients included in it. Fresh oranges and other ingredients are preferable to dried or synthetic versions of them. Supporting ingredients such as onion, garlic, and ginger should be chosen according the guests’ tastes. Chefs should also look at the specific seasonings and other flavorings included in the marinade. Another method of choosing an orange chicken marinade is to think about the style of dish the chicken is going to be used in and choosing accordingly.

Arguably the most important factor in choosing the best orange chicken marinade is the inclusion of fresh ingredients. Fresh oranges are preferable to synthetic orange juices, because the flavor they impart is more pronounced. Chefs can also use the zest from fresh oranges, which is not included in many squeezed juices. Herbs used in the marinade should also be fresh and not dried where possible.

Fresh oranges are preferred when making a marinade for chicken.
Fresh oranges are preferred when making a marinade for chicken.

The specific mixture of other ingredients is another important factor in choosing the best orange chicken marinade. Most orange chicken marinades include garlic, ginger, and onion. These ingredients add more flavors to the chicken and can be used in any combination. Chefs should think about their guests’ tastes when choosing between these ingredients. For example, if many of the guests don’t like the flavor of ginger, then it should be left out of the marinade or replaced with another ingredient.

Garlic, ginger, and onion are common ingredients in an orange chicken marinade, outside of oranges.
Garlic, ginger, and onion are common ingredients in an orange chicken marinade, outside of oranges.

Herbs and seasonings can affect the taste of an orange chicken marinade. Chefs should look at the herbs and seasonings used in a variety of recipes and select the most suitable ones for their dish. For example, many recipes include parsley, so this should be included in most versions of it. Other possible herbs for the marinade include sage, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Chefs can make a test blend of herbs and taste it to determine their favorite mixture.

Orange chicken can be used in Chinese-style stir fries and many other types of dish. Chefs can choose the best orange chicken marinade based on the ingredients most suitable for the specific type of dish they are cooking. For example, a marinade for chicken which is going in a stir fry should preferably include ginger and soy sauce. Garlic is another common addition to Chinese-style marinades. Different ingredients such as marjoram, rosemary, hot sauce, and pepper can be included in marinades for different styles of orange chicken.

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    • Fresh oranges are preferred when making a marinade for chicken.
      By: volff
      Fresh oranges are preferred when making a marinade for chicken.
    • Garlic, ginger, and onion are common ingredients in an orange chicken marinade, outside of oranges.
      By: Elzbieta Sekowska
      Garlic, ginger, and onion are common ingredients in an orange chicken marinade, outside of oranges.