Asian Garlic Poppers

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While I am not generally one for frying, I do pull out a recipe like this one for special occasions. And honestly, it doesn’t get a whole lot better than this asian-inspired garlic poppers recipe! The crispy chicken is coated in a garlicky, sweet and savory sauce that is sure to wow everyone who tries it!

Asian Garlic Poppers

Yield: 6-8 servings

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Ingredients

Batter:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup seltzer or water
• Oil, for frying

Chicken:

• 2 1/2 - 3 lb chicken cutlets, preferably dark, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoon sesame oil
• 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 scallions, thinly sliced
• 4 cubes frozen ginger
• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in
• 1 Tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper and baking powder until combined. Add eggs and seltzer. Whisk until smooth and combined. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss together chicken with flour and salt until sticky. Add batter to bowl and toss until all chicken is fully coated.
3. Heat 1 1/2 - 2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan. Add chicken to hot oil and fry for about 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through, golden and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove cooked chicken to paper towels to drain, then set aside.
4. Prepare the sauce: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic, scallions and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until softened and fragrant; about 5-8 minutes.
   Add remaining ingredients, except for cornstarch slurry, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Just before serving, add chicken and toss to coat in the sauce.

Notes

Plan ahead: Chicken and sauce can each be prepared a day or two ahead of time. Rewarm chicken in a single layer, uncovered, until warmed through and crispy. Toss with sauce immediately before serving.

Tip: If you like spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce, to your desired level of heat!

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