Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together the 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix in the 1 large egg and 3 tbsp cold water to form a thick batter, then add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Heat neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot to a depth of 2 inches. Fry the chicken in batches of 5 to 10 pieces for 3 to 4 minutes per batch until pale golden, letting the oil return to temperature between batches. Drain on a wire rack.
- Raise the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry all the chicken together for 1 to 2 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Drain on the wire rack.
- Mix the 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp cold water into a slurry and set aside. Heat the 2 tsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tsp grated ginger, and stir for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, stir in the slurry, and simmer for 1 minute until glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tsp sesame oil.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss over medium heat for 1 minute until glazed. Plate, top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Notes
This recipe is best eaten right after saucing, when the crust still has some snap. If you're cooking for a crowd, you can fry the chicken up to an hour ahead and hold it on a wire rack in a 250°F (120°C) oven, then toss it in the sauce just before serving. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and reheated gently while the chicken fries.
