Spicy Chicken Popcorn

Ingredients

• 500 gBoneless chicken (small cubes)
• 1Egg
• 1 cupMaida
• 1/4 cupCornflour
• 1 tspGinger garlic paste
• 1 to 2 tspVinegar
• 1/2 tspGaram masala
• 4 tspRed chilli powder
• 1 tspOil (in batter)
• 1 tspSalt
• 1 tspSoy sauce
• 1/2 tspAjinomoto (optional)
• a pinchOrange-red food colour
• 1/2 tspBlack pepper powder
• as neededOil, for deep frying

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl combine maida, cornflour, ginger garlic paste, vinegar, garam masala, red chilli powder, 1 tsp oil, salt, soy sauce, ajinomoto if using, food colour, pepper and the egg. Mix to a thick sticky coating — add 1-2 tbsp water only if too dry.

2. 2

   Add the chicken cubes and toss until every piece is well coated.

3. 3

   Spread the coated chicken on a plate and freeze for 30 minutes — this sets the coat so it crisps cleanly in oil.

4. 4

   Heat oil to 170-180°C. Fry the chicken in small batches for 3-4 minutes until deep red-orange and crisp. Drain on paper.

5. 5

   Serve hot with mayo or schezwan dip.