Chinese Honey Chicken

Ingredients

BATTER

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut in thin strips
• 2 cups peanut oil, for deep-frying

SAUCE

• 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 teaspoons chopped ginger
• 3 tablespoons finely sliced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chinese white rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with
• 1 teaspoon water
• garnish toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   MIX THE BATTER INGREDIENTS together in a medium-sized bowl; it should be thick and smooth.

2. 2

   Allow the batter to sit, covered for at least 30 minutes.

3. 3

   Combine the chicken with the batter.

4. 4

   Heat a wok or large deep skillet until it is hot and add the oil for frying.

5. 5

   When the oil is barely smoking, deep-fry the chicken for 2 minutes or until the batter is just firm.

6. 6

   You should do this in several batches.

7. 7

   Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

8. 8

   TO MAKE SAUCE: Heat a small saucepan; when it is hot, add the oil, ginger and garlic, and stir for 30 seconds.

9. 9

   Then add the rest of the sauce ingredients and simmer for 2 minutes.

10. 10

    Keep warm.

11. 11

    Reheat the oil in the wok until it is very hot, but not smoking.

12. 12

    Deep-fry the chicken again until it is golden and crisp, about 1 minute.

13. 13

    Remove and drain, place on a warm platter, drizzle with the sauce (and sprinkle with the optional toasted sesame seeds if desired) and serve immediately.