Description
A beloved Taiwanese street food snack featuring juicy chicken thigh pieces marinated in soy, garlic, and ginger, coated in coarse sweet potato flour, fried to a crispy golden perfection, and finished with fragrant fresh basil and seasoning.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thigh, cut into 2” pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tbsp grated garlic
1/2 tsp white pepper
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 egg white
2 cups coarse sweet potato flour
Seasoning: 1/2 tsp five spice powder, 1/2 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar
Miscellaneous: 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into uniform 2-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, grated ginger, grated garlic, white pepper, rice vinegar, and egg white. Mix thoroughly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- In a separate bowl, mix five spice powder, white pepper, salt, and sugar. Set aside for seasoning after frying.
- Dredge each marinated chicken piece in coarse sweet potato flour, pressing to coat evenly.
- Heat neutral oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 seconds of frying each batch, add fresh basil leaves to the oil and fry until crisp.
- Remove chicken and basil from oil, drain on paper towels, sprinkle seasoning over the chicken, and serve immediately.
Notes
Add chili powder or ground Sichuan peppercorns to the seasoning blend for a spicy version.
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and certified gluten-free sweet potato flour for a gluten-free option.
Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, and lightly spray with oil for crispiness.
Chicken breast can be used instead of thighs, but may be slightly drier.
Swap basil for Thai basil or curry leaves for a different aromatic twist.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the seasoning for a subtle sweet-spicy flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
