Chinese Orange Chicken

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the orange sauce: Whisk together sauce ingredients (orange zest, juice, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar) in a medium bowl. Set aside.

2. 2

   Prep the chicken: Cut chicken into about 1-inch cubes. Whisk eggs with salt and black pepper in a bowl and add chicken. Stir together.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Remove chicken from eggs with a slotted spoon or tongs, letting excess egg drain off, then transfer to cornstarch mixture and coat well.

4. 4

   Fry the chicken: Add oil to a large 10- to 12-inch skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.

5. 5

   Once oil is hot, fry the chicken in two batches for 6 to 8 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.

6. 6

   Remove fried chicken cubes and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

7. 7

   Simmer the chicken in the sauce: Pour out hot oil and wipe pan clean. Add a fresh tablespoon of oil along with chopped garlic and shallot. Cook for a minute.

8. 8

   Add the sauce to the pan and simmer until it starts to thicken.

9. 9

   Once the sauce is lightly bubbling, add fried chicken and toss together to coat. Let simmer for a minute or two more.

10. 10

    Serve orange chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh scallions.