There are many versions of this popular Cantonese pairing, and they are almost always too sweet—sometimes abominably so. I’ve reduced the sugar in this one, so it’s more sour and savory. I do love the chicken fried, but you can also steam or stir-fry it; both variations are faster and easier than the main recipe. In any case, serve the chicken over white rice.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Place the first 7 ingredients in a bowl and combine thoroughly. Cover, refrigerate, and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. When ready to cook, pour 2 inches of oil in a deep heavy skillet or saucepan and heat to about 375°F (use an instant-read thermometer to check, or add a pinch of flour to the oil; it will sizzle at the right temperature). Remove the chicken from the marinade and coat with the egg and then the flour; carefully slide the chicken into the oil. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Cook, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine the lemon juice, chicken stock, sugar, and cornstarch and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens. Taste and season with salt, then turn the chicken pieces in the sauce and serve.
Stir-Fried Lemon Chicken
Step 3
Omit the egg and flour. Heat 3 tablespoons corn, grapeseed, or other neutral oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it loses its pinkness. Stir in the ginger and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, wine, pepper, lemon juice, stock, sugar, and cornstarch. Mix everything together thoroughly and cook until the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt, garnish with scallion, and serve.
Steamed Lemon Chicken
Step 4
Omit the egg, flour, stock, and cornstarch. Place the chicken in a bowl with the ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, wine, pepper, lemon juice, and sugar. Combine everything thoroughly, cover, refrigerate, and marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.When ready to cook, set up a steaming rack over at least 2 inches of water. Transfer the chicken to a heatproof plate and pour the marinade over it. Steam until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt, garnish with scallion, and serve.
