EMERIL'S CHICKEN TEMPURA WITH PLUM SAUCE AND STIR-FRIED VEGGIES

Steps:

• Lightly coat the chicken strips in the cornstarch, shaking to remove any excess; set aside.
• In a large pot or wok, preheat the oil to 360 degrees F.
• In a bowl, beat the egg with the cold water; add the flour and 5 spice powder and mix lightly and quickly just until smooth. (Do NOT overbeat).
• Dip the chicken into the batter, shaking to remove any excess.
• In batches add to the hot oil and fry, turning, until golden brown on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Plum Sauce:.
• In a saucepan, combine plum preserves, vinegar, shallots, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and 5-spice powder, and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
• Stir, reduce the heat and simmer until thickened and the flavors are married, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Remove the plum sauce from the heat and adjust the seasoning, to taste. Let cool to room temperature.
• Gingered Stir-Fried Vegetables:.
• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar, and set aside.
• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
• Add the ginger and cook, stirring, until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
• Add the carrots and stir-fry until beginning to soften, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add snow pea pods and mushrooms and stir-fry until beginning to soften, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.
• Add the green onions and soy sauce mixture and stir to coat. Cook for another 45 seconds, stirring.
• Remove from the heat and serve with the Tempura Chicken Fingers and Plum Dipping Sauce.