Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) white vinegar
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon (90 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
• Zest and juice of one orange
• Splash of shaoxing wine (optional)
• Splash of rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (10 grams) cornstarch
• 4 cloves garlic, grated
• 1-inch knob of ginger, grated
• 1/2 red Fresno chili, finely minced
• 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• Salt
• MSG (optional)
• 1 cup (140 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• Water
• Oil for frying
• Green onions and red Fresno chili for garnish (optional)