Description
This quick and flavorful Chinese-style dish features crispy fried chicken (or beef) tossed in a sticky, sweet honey garlic sauce. Thanks to the velveting technique, the meat stays juicy inside and perfectly crisp outside. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and makes a great weeknight meal or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts (or beef sirloin/flank)
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2 egg whites
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2 tbsp cornstarch (plus 1/2 cup for coating)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
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1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
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4 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 to 1.5 cups oil for frying
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Garnish: green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
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Cut meat into bite-sized pieces and pat dry.
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Mix egg whites, 2 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and optional flavorings in a bowl.
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Toss meat in the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
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Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F.
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Dredge meat in extra cornstarch and fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
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Simmer honey, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper in a saucepan for 1–2 minutes.
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Toss fried meat in the sauce and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
- Toss meat in sauce only before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Air-fry or oven-bake for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying (or Air Frying/Baking)
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired