Taiwanese Crispy Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken pieces
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, white pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Take each marinated chicken piece and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is well coated.
6. 6.
   Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot.
9. 9.
   Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Fried Chicken hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — For the best results, use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks as they are more tender and flavorful compared to breast meat.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Ginger — Freshly grated ginger provides a vibrant and aromatic flavor. Ensure it is finely grated to avoid any fibrous texture.
• Five-spice powder — If you don't have five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve an extra crispy texture, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the flour mixture twice before frying.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
• Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Fried Chicken with a side of pickled vegetables or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese Crispy Fried Chicken as a main course alongside steamed rice or as a delightful snack with a side of sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown chicken pieces on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, and serve with a wedge of lime for an appealing presentation.