Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share a delicious and thoughtful meal with your special someone, and this Keto Orange Chicken recipe is just the thing for a low-carb celebration.
Craving the sweet and tangy flavors of classic orange chicken but following a keto lifestyle? This dish offers a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, allowing you to indulge without compromising your dietary goals.
In my early days on the keto diet, I missed the vibrant flavors of my favorite Chinese takeout. Determined to recreate those tastes, I experimented with low-carb alternatives, leading to this recipe.
The result? A crispy, succulent chicken coated in a zesty, sugar-free orange sauce that satisfies those cravings. For an extra side of flavor, consider pairing it with Mustard Pickled Deviled Eggs or Pickled Tomatoes.
This dish is not only keto-friendly but also supports weight loss by keeping carbohydrate intake low. By substituting traditional breading with almond flour and using a sugar substitute in the sauce, it aligns perfectly with ketogenic principles.
The combination of crispy chicken and a tangy, citrus-infused glaze creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The aroma of fresh orange zest and the subtle heat from chili flakes make this dish a sensory delight.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Personal Journey: After missing traditional orange chicken on keto, I crafted this recipe to satisfy my cravings.
- Lifestyle Fit: Perfect for those on a keto diet, offering a low-carb alternative to a beloved dish.
- Modifications: Swapped out high-carb ingredients for keto-friendly options like almond flour and sugar substitutes.
- Unexpected Benefit: Enjoying a favorite comfort food without derailing my diet.
- Main Benefit: Supports weight loss by keeping carbs low while delivering delicious flavors.
Pork Crackling Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Spice grinder or blender
- Small Bowl
- Paper Towels
- Cooking Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork belly, cut up into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup lard
- peanut oil for frying
- hot sauce to sprinkle on at the end
- 2 tbsp chile de árbol, ground
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper, ground
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp celery seeds, ground
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, combine pork belly pieces and lard, bringing them to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and simmer until the meat starts to brown and becomes tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the pork belly from the Dutch oven and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until cold.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ground chile de árbol, kosher salt, sugar, white pepper, granulated garlic, and ground celery seeds to create the "Cracklin' Dust" seasoning.
- Strain and reserve the lard from the Dutch oven for future use. Heat peanut oil in the Dutch oven to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the cold pork belly in batches until puffed and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Drain the fried pork belly pieces on paper towels. In a bowl or bag, toss the cracklin' pork belly with a few dashes of hot sauce and sprinkle the Cracklin' Dust seasoning over it.
Nutrition
Substitutions and Variations You May Be Looking For!
- Spicy Surprise: Try adding a kick to your Cracklin’ Dust by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for those who love a bit of heat.
- Sweet & Tangy: For a sweet and tangy flavor, swap out the sugar in the seasoning with brown sugar or honey. It’ll add a caramelized goodness to your crackling.
- Herb Garden Magic: Elevate the flavors with fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or even a hint of sage. It brings a garden-fresh vibe to your pork belly.
- Asian Fusion Twist: Infuse Asian flavors by mixing soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil into the seasoning. Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping as I do.
- Zesty Citrus Burst: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the Cracklin’ Dust for a zesty pop. It brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing touch.
- Smokehouse Dream: Swap regular salt with smoked salt and add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky, barbecue-like flavor. Perfect for those backyard cookouts!
- Heritage Spice Blend: Create your unique spice blend with family heirloom spices or regional favorites. It’s a nod to tradition and adds a personal touch to your crackling.
- Healthy Crunch: Opt for leaner cuts like pork loin or chicken breast strips. They’ll still crisp up beautifully and offer a healthier alternative.
- Veggie Delight: Turn this into a vegetarian delight by using thick-cut slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Marinate them in garlic, soy sauce, and your favorite herbs before coating them with the Cracklin Dust.
- Dip & Dive: Pair your crackling with different dips like tangy barbecue sauce, Sriracha Mayo, or a creamy aioli. It’s all about the dip and crunch combo!
