Firecracker Orange Chicken Buns

Submitted by Arlyn Osborne

"Lightly fried chicken is coated in a spicy orange sauce and sandwiched inside steamed bao buns, along with fresh herbs and Kewpie mayo."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 orange, zest and juice
• 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 lb chicken tenderloins, cut into thirds
• 1 cup cornstarch
• bao bun, prepared according to package instructions
• fresh parsley leaves
• sesame seeds
• scallion, thinly sliced
• kewpie mayonnaise

directions

1. Add the honey, soy sauce, orange juice and zest, sriracha, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, ginger powder, and salt to a bowl. Whisk well and set aside.
2. Heat about 3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F.
3. Add cornstarch to a shallow bowl. Dredge chicken in the flour, shake off excess, and fry for 4-5 minutes. Drain on a rack on top of a baking sheet.
4. Pour the sauce mixture into a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Let the mixture come to a simmer and let cook for 1 – 2 minutes, until thickened.
5. Add the chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
6. To build the sandwiches, place parsley leaves in the buns, then top with 3 – 4 chicken pieces, sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions. Top with a squeeze of Kewpie.