War Su Gai (Almond Boneless Chicken) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned, and cut in half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry

Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch(corn flour)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 cups broth
• 1 1/2 cups chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 3 tablespoons chicken fat or butter
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

Batter:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/3 cup toasted, slivered almonds
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (green and white parts)
• Oil for deep frying

Method:

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and sherry and marinate for 15 minutes.
2. While chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce.
3. Mix together the cornstarch and water in a small saucepan until smooth.
4. Gradually mix in the chicken broth, mushrooms (if using), chicken fat or butter, soy sauce and bouillon granules.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
6. Let boil for 1 minute, and keep warm.

To prepare batter:

1. Beat together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, egg, and water until smooth.
2. Coat each piece of chicken with the batter.
3. Heat wok or a large skillet and add oil to a depth of 1/2-inch.
4. Heat to 375 degrees.
5. Cook coated chicken pieces in oil until they are golden, turning them once.
6. This should take about 5 - 7 minutes.
7. Drain the chicken on a tempura rack if you have one, or on paper towels.
8. Cut the chicken diagonally into strips.
9. Reassemble the strips into chicken breast shapes and place on a bed of shredded lettuce.
10. Sprinkle with almonds and green onion.
11. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve to 4 to 6 persons.