Orange Chicken that actually tastes like oranges?!

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup sugar
• 0.75 cup white vinegar
• 0.33 cup tamari (listed as temari)
• 0.25 cup water (for the sauce base)
• 2 oranges (zested and juiced)
• 1 tbsp corn starch (for the slurry)
• 1 tbsp water (for the slurry)
• 4 cloves garlic (freshly grated)
• 1 inch ginger (freshly grated)
• 1 red Fresno Chile (sliced or minced)
• 1.5 lb chicken thighs (cubed; quantity estimated for 4 servings)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)
• 0.25 cup soy sauce (for chicken marinade)
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 egg white
• 1 cup corn starch (for breading)
• 0.5 cup AP flour
• MSG (a little bit)
• peanut oil (for frying)
• green onion (for garnish (or chives/scallions))
• sesame seeds (for garnish)
• white rice (cooked, for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Cube the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

2. 2

   In a bowl, coat the chicken cubes with one egg white, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

3. 3

   In a separate shallow dish, combine 1 cup corn starch, 1/2 cup AP flour, and a little bit of MSG.

4. 4

   Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour and corn starch mixture until thoroughly coated.

5. 5

   Heat peanut oil to 380°F (193°C) in a deep pan or fryer.

6. 6

   Carefully drop the breaded chicken into the hot oil and fry until they are a beautiful golden brown. Remove and set aside.

7. 7

   While the chicken fries, start the sauce by combining 1/2 cup sugar, 3/4 cup white vinegar, 1/3 cup tamari (or soy sauce), and the zest and juice of 2 oranges in a pan.

8. 8

   Add 1/4 cup of water to the sauce mixture and bring it to a boil.

9. 9

   Whisk together 1 tbsp corn starch and 1 tbsp water to create a slurry, then stir it into the boiling sauce to thicken.

10. 10

    Once the sauce begins to thicken, freshly grate in 4 cloves of garlic and 1 inch of ginger. Add one whole sliced Fresno chili.

11. 11

    Add the fried chicken pieces into the sauce and toss until every piece is beautifully and evenly coated.

12. 12

    Serve the chicken over a bowl of white rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions (or chives).

Notes

The author suggests using scallions for garnish, but chives can be used as a substitute. Ensure the oil is at 380°F for the best crispy texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• orange chicken
• takeout
• fried
• dinner