Homemade Orange Chicken (Original video)

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)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, white vinegar, soy sauce, water, orange zest, and juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes.
2. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add to the sauce and simmer until thickened.
3. Add grated garlic, ginger, and minced chili to the sauce. Let it steep.
4. Season chicken with salt. Dredge in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, then dip in beaten eggs.
5. Fry chicken in preheated oil at 375°F until light golden brown.
6. Toss fried chicken in the orange sauce until coated.
7. Garnish with green onions and sliced red Fresno chili if desired.
8. Serve and enjoy the homemade orange chicken.