Al's General Tso Chicken

• large egg, beaten↗1
• teaspoon salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• teaspoon freshly roasted sichuan peppercorn↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• tablespoons cornstarch↗2 tablespoons
• large chicken legs with thigh or (3/4 lb) chicken breasts, boned and skinned, fat and membranes removed, and cut into strips↗2
• tablespoon cornstarch, for dusting↗1 tablespoon
• For the sauce
• tablespoons dark soy sauce or 2 1/2 tablespoons mushroom soy sauce↗2 1⁄2 tablespoons
• teaspoon minced garlic1 teaspoon
• tablespoon minced fresh ginger1 tablespoon
• tablespoons hoisin sauce2 tablespoons
• teaspoons sugar↗3 teaspoons
• teaspoons Chinese white rice vinegar↗3 teaspoons
• teaspoons shao-hsing rice wine↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• small dried hot chili peppers↗6
• cup finely sliced green onion1⁄4
• cups peanut oil or 3 1/2 cups cooking oil, for deep-frying and stir-frying3 1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a pestle and mortar grind the Sichuan pepper and salt together into a fine powder, cover the sliced chicken with the salt and sichuan pepper mixture.

2. 2

   In a bowl, mix together the egg, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.

3. 3

   Add the chicken slices, mix to coat, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine the wet sauce ingredients, sugar and reserve.

5. 5

   Heat a wok over high heat.

6. 6

   Add oil and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. 7

   In batches, using tongs, remove the chicken slices individually, dust with 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and place in the oil.

8. 8

   Deep-fry for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, until the chicken is browned and crispy.

9. 9

   Remove the chicken with a Chinese strainer and drain well.

10. 10

    Turn off the heat.

11. 11

    Pour off all but 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil from the wok.

12. 12

    Heat the wok over high heat until a little smoke appears from the oil.

13. 13

    Add the chilies and stir for 15 seconds.

14. 14

    Add the garlic and ginger followed by the green onion and stir for 30 seconds.

15. 15

    Add the chicken and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

16. 16

    Stir the sauce mixture, pour into the wok, stir well, and cook until the chicken slices are completely coated with sauce, about 1 1/2 minutes.

17. 17

    Turn off the heat, and serve.