Zesty Orange Chicken

Few days back I went to Panda Express and ordered Orange Chicken.I'm not much into citrus flavour but was feeling adventerous that day.Well well well....the minute I ate it I loved it.It was delish! Crispy on the outside, but still tender and juicy on the inside chicken pieces coated in perfectly balanced sweet and spicy citrus sauce..Yummoooo!!

All the way back home I couldnt stop myself from thinking about the medely of flavours in that simple Orange chicken.I took a turn and went to the grocery store and got all the indgredients required for the recipe.Couple of days later i tried to experiment with it.With my Indian background it is difficult for me to keep myself away from using lots of spicy flavours.So decided to give it a indochinese approach.
Its optional to add brocolli but i love the crunch and crispyness of brocoolli and it really gives an extra punch to the dish....plus you have got fibers..isnt it healthy?

Ingred:

• 3 Pieces of skinless chicken breast ,cubed into bite size pieces(no icky bits of tendon or gristle)


• 1 crown of brocolli


• 2 bunches of scallions


• 1 tbsp paste of fresh ginger


• 1/2 tbsp paste of fresh garlic(if not handy use garlic powder)


• 1tbsp paste of green chillies


• 1 orange zested,reserve zest separately


• 3tbsp cornstarch


• 4 tbsp flour


• 1 egg


• Oil for frying


• 1 tbsp seasame oil


• chinese mustard(optional)


• soy sauce


• rice vinegar


• rice cooking wine


• sugar


• salt and pepper


• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes


• few drops of lime juice(gives extra kick to the sauce)


• pinch of MSG (optional)

Method:

• In a small bowl, combine orange zest, orange juice, water, soy sauce, and sugar,rice wine ,vinegar,salt ; set aside.


• In a bowl, mix together chicken, egg, salt, and pepper; set aside.


• In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour. Fold in chicken mixture until coated well.


• In small batches, drop coated chicken pieces into hot oil and deep-fry for 3 – 4 minutes, then remove from oil and drain on papertowels. keep warm.


• From the same wok ,remove extra oil in a bowl.Just save enough oil to stirfry vegetables.


• Add paste of ginger,garlic and chillies.stir for 30 sec.


• Add scallions and stir for 30 sec


• Add brocolli and stir fry for 90 sec


• Add orange sauce to it and bring to a boil.


• Mix 1 Tbls. cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water


• Add to the orange sauce as it is boiling.


• Add cooked chicken and sesame oil to wok, stir to coat.


• Add red pepper flakes and serve with rice or noodles.