1teaspoongarlic chili paste or similar chili paste
2teaspoonssesame oil
1tablespoonbrown sugar
1teaspooncornstarch
Marinade
1 1/2tablespoonssoy sauce
1tablespoondry sherry
2egg whites
1 to 1 1/2poundsboneless, chicken thighs, cut into bite-size cubes
Coating
1 1/2cupscornstarch
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry
canola or peanut oil for deep-frying, plus 1 tablespoon for stir-frying
3 to 4small dried red chile peppers, seeds removed, broken up
3clovesgarlic, finely minced
Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
Instructions
Prevent your screen from going dark
Sauce: combine the broth or water, ketchup, 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste, sesame oil, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Marinade: In a large bowl, combine 1 12 tablespoons of soy sauce, sherry, and egg whites; whisk to blend and add the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken and let stand for 15 minutes.
Breading: In a bowl or food storage bag, combine the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the marinade and let excess drip off; transfer them to the cornstarch mixture and toss to coat.
Fry: Add about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of oil to a deep, heavy pot or deep fryer and heat to 365 F (185 C). When the oil is hot, add 8 to 10 of the chicken pieces to the oil and fry for 4 to 6 minutes or until golden brown. Turn them frequently to ensure even browning. With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Stir Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chili peppers and garlic and stir-fry for 30 to 45 seconds or until aromatic. Add the sauce mixture from step 1 and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until thickened. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until well coated and heated through.
Serve: Serve the chicken over rice or noodles with a garnish of sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Enjoy!!