Chinese Orange Chicken

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1
   Make the orange sauce:
2. 2
   Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. 3
   Prepare the chicken:
4. 4
   Cut the chicken into roughly 2.5 cm cubes. Whisk the eggs with salt and black pepper in a bowl, then add the chicken and stir to combine.
5. 5
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Lift the chicken out of the eggs with a slotted spoon or tongs, letting the excess egg drip off, then transfer it to the cornstarch mixture and coat well.
6. 6
   Fry the chicken:
7. 7
   Pour the oil into a large 25–30 cm skillet. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 175°C. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the temperature by sprinkling in a little flour — if the oil is hot enough, it should sizzle immediately.
8. 8
   Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken in two batches. The oil may not completely cover the chicken — that's fine. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook until the chicken is cooked through, another 3 to 4 minutes. Total cook time is about 6 to 8 minutes.
9. 9
   Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
10. 10
    Simmer the chicken in the sauce:
11. 11
    Once the chicken is done, pour out the hot oil and wipe the pan clean. Add a fresh 15 ml of oil along with the chopped garlic and shallot. Cook for a minute, then pour in the sauce. Simmer until it begins to thicken.
12. 12
    When the sauce is gently bubbling, add the fried chicken and toss to coat. The sauce should keep thickening and clinging to the chicken. Let it simmer for another minute or two. Serve the orange chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh scallions.
13. 13
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14. 14
    LEFTOVERS! The orange chicken keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat. You can freeze the orange chicken for up to 3 months, but be sure to thaw it before reheating so the chicken doesn't clump together.