Crackerjack Shrimp Or Chicken

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons peanut oil or 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry wine
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced or 1 lb shelled and deveined shrimp
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (like mae ploy)
• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup peanut oil, canola oil or 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Recipe

• 1 in a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the shrimp marinade; set aside.
• 2 rinse the cleaned shrimp or chicken pieces under cold water then lay out on paper towels and pat until completely dry.
• 3 add shrimp or chicken to marinade and cover the bowl. refrigerate for 30 minutes. while marinating, prepare the sauce by whisking together all of the sauce ingredients in a large bowl. set the prepared sauce aside.
• 4 place the 1 cup of cornstarch in a large bowl. add the marinated shrimp or chicken to the cornstarch, tossing to evenly coat. transfer the coated shrimp to a colander and shake off any excess cornstarch.
• 5 place a large, deep saute pan over medium-high heat. let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until it is very hot.
• 6 add the peanut oil. it should slide very easily across the pan but not smoke.
• 7 add half of the prepared shrimp or chicken to the pan, spreading apart so as to keep pieces from touching. allow them to cook 2 minutes, then flip them once and cook on the second side for 1 additional minute (for the shrimp) or just until they turn pink and are fully cooked throughout. the chicken cubes may take a couple of minutes longer.
• 8 remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. repeat the cooking process with the second half, adding more oil to the pan if necessary.
• 9 drain the excess oil from the pan and then allow the pan to cool before returning it to the stove (this is very important).
• 10 return the pan to the stove, placing it over medium heat. add the prepared sauce and bring it to a boil.
• 11 add the cooked shrimp or chicken to the sauce and toss to evenly coat. serve hot over rice.