Taiwanese fried chicken

Instructions

1. Step 1

   In a large non-reactive bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the marinated chicken except the chicken. Add the chicken pieces, stir to coat, cover and leave to marinate in the refrigerator overnight. If you are in a hurry, marinate for 1 hour at room temperature

2. Step 2

   For the hot sauce, first sterilise your jars. Pour about 2.5 cm (1 inch) water into a large saucepan. Place a steam tray on top (the top of the tray should sit just above the waterline)

3. Step 3

   Place your jars and lids upside down on the tray and bring the water to a gentle boil for about 15 minutes. This should generate enough steam inside each jar and lid to sterilise them

4. Step 4

   Carefully remove, then air dry the jars. The jars are now ready for use – it’s best to use them right after sterilising them

5. Step 5

   Put the garlic and ginger into a blender, then pour in the vinegar. It should be enough to cover the garlic and ginger; if not, add a little more vinegar

6. Step 6

   Blend at high speed for at least 3 minutes until completely smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and blend at high speed for 6–8 minutes or until completely smooth

7. Step 7

   Pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl – you want some of the ginger fibres to get through, but to sift out the larger, unpleasant stringy bits (this gives a good consistency to the sauce without having to thicken it with anything else)

8. Step 8

   Squeeze any remaining solids through the sieve into the sauce to ensure you get all the juices and flavours from them

9. Step 9

   The sauce can be stored in a sterilised glass jar or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months

10. Step 10

    To make the spiced flour mix, in a bowl mix together all the ingredients, making sure the spices are evenly distributed

11. Step 11

    When ready to cook, run your fingers through the chicken mixture to moisten any overlapping pieces. If it requires more soy milk, add some now so all the chicken pieces are submerged in the marinade

12. Step 12

    Toss a piece of chicken straight from the marinade into the flour mix.Roll it around lightly with your fingers to form a nugget shape. Do not flatten it or try to press more of the mix onto it. If you want more spiced flour on the chicken, roll it in the bowl of flour mix a few times and dust extra spiced flour mix on top. Make sure the piece is fully coated, then transfer to a plate or tray. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces

13. Step 13

    Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-based saucepan to 160°C/325°F, or until a cube of ginger sizzles and browns in 20 seconds. Very lightly shake off any excess flour mix, then – in 2 batches – carefully hold the chicken and slowly drop it away from you into the hot oil and deep-fry for 3 minutes until cooked through, lightly golden and crisp. Remove with the tongs or slotted spoon, drain on paper towels and leave to cool completely

14. Step 14

    When cool, reheat the oil to 190°C/375°F and deep-fry again for 2 minutes

15. Step 15

    Place the chicken pieces in a shallow bowl and drizzle with hot sauce to serve