Deep-fried Five-spice Chicken

Serves 4


Ingredients:

1 spring chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
4 tbsp cornstarch
cooking oil for deep-frying
fine salt, to serve

Marinade:
½ tsp five-spice powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp soya sauce
½ tsp black pepper powder
1 tbsp rice wine
4cm piece ginger, sliced
4 stalks spring onions, crushed


Method:

1. Mix together the chicken pieces and marinade ingredients. Keep aside 30 minutes, then discard ginger slices and spring onions.
2. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg yolk, then coat with cornstarch.
3. Heat oil and deep-fry chicken pieces over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Drain.
4. Reheat oil till very hot. Add chicken slices again and deep-fry another minute. Drain well and dish up.
5. Garnish as liked. Serve hot with fine salt, as a dip.