1STEP 1 | Cut boneless chicken thigh meat into uniform bite-sized chunks and pat dry.
First Love Crispy Chicken Balls (Sweet & Sour Plum Glaze)
Crispy chicken bites coated in a refreshing sweet-and-sour plum lemon glaze—just like first love!
First Love Crispy Chicken Balls is Master Ding's creative take on a sweet-and-sour classic. Tender boneless chicken thigh pieces are seasoned, dipped in egg, coated with cornstarch, and double-fried to golden perfection. The signature glaze combines mashed preserved sour plums and fresh lemon juice with sugar for a natural, nuanced tang. Tossed quickly with bell peppers and onions, each crispy nugget is enveloped in a glossy, irresistible sweet-and-sour coating.
Time25min
SuitableMeat lovers
Method-
Occasion-
SeasonAll seasons
When Grandpa Meets Maria - Feasts Of Life
Full Episode Video
Ingredients（Serves 2-3）
Quick Method
2STEP 2 | Season the chicken chunks with salt, sugar, and ground pepper, then mix in beaten egg to coat thoroughly.
3STEP 3 | Dredge each egg-coated chicken piece thoroughly in dry cornstarch until fully coated.
4STEP 4 | Heat oil to medium-high heat, fry the dredged chicken pieces until set and pale golden, then remove and drain.
5STEP 5 | Increase the oil temperature and double-fry the chicken balls until crispy and deep golden, then drain immediately.
6STEP 6 | In a clean pan with a splash of water, simmer lemon juice, mashed sour plum, sugar, and ketchup into a sweet-and-sour glaze.
7STEP 7 | Add cut onions and tricolor bell pepper pieces into the simmering sauce and toss quickly.
8STEP 8 | Toss in the crispy chicken balls over high heat until evenly coated in the glossy sweet and sour sauce, then plate immediately.
Tips and Pitfalls
Dredge with Cornstarch
Coating egg-washed chicken in dry cornstarch creates an airy, extra-crisp crust.
Double Fry for Crunch
A quick second fry at higher temperature forces out trapped oil for maximum crispness.
Plum and Lemon Balance
Combining mashed sour plum and fresh lemon creates a layered, refreshing sweet-and-sour glaze.
Fast Tossing Keeps Crunch
Toss chicken in glaze quickly over high heat and serve immediately to prevent sogginess.
Overview
First Love Crispy Chicken Balls is Master Ding's creative take on a sweet-and-sour classic. Tender boneless chicken thigh pieces are seasoned, dipped in egg, coated with cornstarch, and double-fried to golden perfection. The signature glaze combines mashed preserved sour plums and fresh lemon juice with sugar for a natural, nuanced tang. Tossed quickly with bell peppers and onions, each crispy nugget is enveloped in a glossy, irresistible sweet-and-sour coating.
