Orange Chicken

Happy Chinese New Year!
I had a difficult time deciding what to make for Valentine's Day dinner this year. I was thrilled to learn that in addition to being Valentine's Day, February 14th was also Chinese New Year 2010! Ty loves chinese food so I decided our romantic/new year's meal would be orange chicken.

Orange Chicken

2 lbs. chicken cut into small cubes
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups flour
1 egg
oil for frying

Orange Sauce

1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons diced green onion

3 tablespoons cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons water

1. Combine the flour with the salt and pepper. Beat the egg.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with the egg and coat with the seasoned flour. Fry at 375 degrees until golden brown.
3. To make the sauce in a large saucepan combine the 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, rice vinegar, and the soy sauce. Heat over medium to high heat.
4. Add the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and green onion.
Bring to a boil.
5. In a small bowl mix together the cornstarch with the water. Add to the sauce to thicken.
6. Pour sauce over chicken and stir to coat. Serve the chicken over white rice.

Have a great year of the Tiger!