If you spent any part of your childhood wandering mall food courts—especially in the 1990s or early 2000s—this dish is bound to spark some nostalgia. For those of us who’ve ever cobbled together a meal out of free food court samples, you know exactly what I’m talking about. My suburban mall always had at least three “Asian” options: one labeled Chinese, one Korean, and one Japanese. Of course, all three were as American as the Subway sandwiched (pun intended) between them.
The dead giveaway? Every spot offered orange chicken. Whether it was the “Korean” counter or the “Chinese” one, they all competed to win your taste buds with sticky, crispy orange chicken samples. It would take me years to realize that while undeniably delicious, this wasn’t “authentic” Asian cuisine. It was American-Chinese food—a category of its own—and one that holds a special place in our collective food culture.
Whether you love it or not, American-Chinese cuisine has become a staple of America’s culinary landscape. Occasionally, a greasy carton of fried noodles or crispy glazed chicken is just what you need. Drawing inspiration from those beloved food court dishes, I developed Mandarin Orange Chicken paired with Stir-Fried Udon Noodles. This creation blends nostalgic American-Chinese flavors with a Japanese flair, featuring udon noodles as its foundation. While orange chicken might not qualify as authentic Chinese fare, this dish honors its place in our culinary history with a fresh, modern interpretation fusion.
The Mandarin Orange Chicken features boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are first dipped in whisked eggs and then coated with a seasoned mixture of cornstarch and flour. Allowing the coated chicken to rest before frying results in a crispy, golden exterior that complements the luscious mandarin orange glaze. This glaze is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, crafted from freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, shallots, rice vinegar, and a touch of red pepper flakes. The outcome? A rich, tangy coating that perfectly adheres to each crunchy bite bite.
To complement the chicken, stir-fried udon noodles provide a hearty and chewy base. These thick wheat noodles are cooked al dente and stir-fried with garlic, onion, julienned carrots, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. For added texture, the noodles are left to develop a light crust before the sauce is poured in, ensuring a delightful bite with every forkful.
When served, this dish shines with both vibrancy and satisfaction. The sticky, golden chicken accompanies flavorful noodles, topped with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and vibrant mandarin orange slices.
The History of Orange Chicken
Orange chicken is commonly thought to have originated at Panda Express, the fast-food chain that made it famous in the U.S. Most sources attribute the creation of the dish to executive chef Andy Kao in 1987. What began as a novel menu item rapidly gained popularity, establishing orange chicken as one of the chain’s signature dishes. Its success led numerous other American-Chinese restaurants to create their own interpretations, securing its place as a staple in cuisine cuisine.
Why Udon Noodles?
Udon noodles are thick, chewy wheat noodles originating from Japan. Renowned for their soft texture and mild flavor, they complement a range of sauces and broths, making them a versatile option for various dishes. Traditionally hand-rolled and sliced into thick strands, udon noodles are shorter and wider than most Chinese noodle types, offering a distinct chewiness. Their capacity to soak up robust flavors makes them an ideal foundation for this dish’s savory stir-fry sauce.
This Mandarin Orange Chicken with Stir-Fried Udon Noodles is a celebration of the fusion of flavors and cultures that have shaped modern comfort food. By pairing the nostalgic sweetness of American-Chinese orange chicken with the bold, savory elements of Japanese udon noodles, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a reminder that food doesn’t have to be strictly authentic to be meaningful or delicious—it can be a playful exploration of flavors that tell a story, honor tradition, and create new memories all at once. Whether you’re cooking to satisfy a craving or to relive those mall food court days, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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This Ginger Snap and Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake combines the spiced warmth of crushed ginger snap cookies with the vibrant sweetness of fresh mandarin oranges, topped with a caramel-like glaze of brown sugar and maple syrup. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a unique twist on the classic upside-down dessert with bold, zesty flavors.
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