Lemon Chicken

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Asian seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/3 cup chicken stock

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1/4 cup peanut oil

1 tablespoon water

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

2 teaspoons minced ginger

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/4 cup julienned green onions, garnish

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, garnish

In medium bowl, beat the egg lightly with the Asian seasoning. Place 1/4 cup cornstarch in a shallow dish. One at a time, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch and dip into the egg wash, shaking to remove any excess. Dredge again in the cornstarch to lightly coat.

Place on a baking dish and let stand for 5 minutes. Just before cooking, shake off any excess cornstarch.

In a bowl, make the sauce by combining the chicken stock, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lemon zest. Set aside.

In a wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the chicken strips (making sure not to overcrowd the pan.) Fry them for about 3 minutes, until crisp, turning once. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. In a small bowl, dissolve the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch in the tablespoon of water. Pour nearly all the oil out of the wok. Add the green onions, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the lemon sauce, stir to combine, and bring to a boil.

Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until thick. Return the chicken strips to the wok and stir-fry until warmed through and married with the sauce, 1 to 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat and divide among 4 plates. Garnish with the julienned green onions and toasted sesame seeds and serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

For more of Emeril's recipes, go to Emerils.com.