Crispy Lemon Chicken

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken thighs (skin-on)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tsp chicken powder (bouillon powder)
• 0.5 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 0.5 tsp MSG (referred to as 'yum yum')
• 1 cup self-raising flour (for batter)
• 0.5 cup corn flour (for batter)
• 0.75 cup iced water (as needed for batter consistency)
• 2 cup neutral oil (for frying)
• 1 lemon (sliced for sauce)
• 0.5 cup water (for sauce)
• 2 tbsp concentrated lemon juice
• 0.25 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
• 0.5 tsp dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tsp custard powder (the secret ingredient)
• 1 tbsp potato starch slurry (potato starch mixed with water to thicken)

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, season the skin-on chicken thighs with oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken powder, white pepper, sesame oil, Chinese cooking wine, and a little bit of MSG (yum yum).

2. 2

   Mix the chicken thoroughly with the seasonings to 'velvet' it, then set it aside to marinate.

3. 3

   Prepare the batter by combining two parts self-raising flour with one part corn flour in a separate bowl.

4. 4

   Gradually add iced water to the flour mixture while hand whisking until you reach a smooth batter consistency.

5. 5

   Heat neutral oil in a pan or wok for frying.

6. 6

   Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.

7. 7

   Carefully place the battered chicken into the hot oil and fry until the exterior is super crispy and golden brown.

8. 8

   Remove the chicken from the oil and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

9. 9

   In a clean pan, combine lemon slices, water, concentrated lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, a touch of dark soy sauce for color, and custard powder.

10. 10

    Simmer the sauce ingredients together, then strain out the lemon slices.

11. 11

    Thicken the sauce by stirring in the potato starch slurry until it reaches a glossy, thick consistency.

12. 12

    Slice the crispy chicken and serve immediately with the lemon sauce poured over or on the side.

Notes

The custard powder is the 'secret ingredient' that provides a unique depth and color to the sauce. Using iced water in the batter is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Chinese
• fried chicken
• lemon chicken
• takeout style
• crispy
• dinner