Chinese-Style Chilli Egg Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• Eggs - 5 whole
• Pepper powder - 1 tsp
• Salt
• Oil
• Corn flour - 3 tbsp
• All-purpose flour or maida - 2 tbsp
• Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp
• Garlic paste - 1/4 tsp
• Ginger paste - 1/4 tsp
• Soy sauce - 1/4 tsp
• Water
• Onion - 1 whole
• Garlic - 1 tbsp
• Green chili - 3 whole
• Soy sauce - 1 tbsp
• Tomato sauce - 2 tsp
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Sugar - 1/2 tsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Spring onion
• Coriander leaves

Instructions

1. 1Crack 5 eggs into a bowl, add 1 tsp pepper powder and salt to taste, and beat until smooth; heat a little oil in a nonstick pan and cook the mixture into 2 omelettes.
2. 2Prepare the batter by whisking together 3 tbsp corn flour, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or maida, 1/4 tsp pepper powder, 1/4 tsp garlic paste, 1/4 tsp ginger paste, 1/4 tsp soy sauce and a pinch of salt with enough water to form a smooth, pourable batter.
3. 3Let the omelettes cool slightly, then cut them into long strips about 1-inch width so they fry evenly.
4. 4Working in batches, dip the omelette strips into the batter to coat them, then deep-fry in hot oil until they are crisp and golden and have a texture similar to finger fish; the sound and color will tell you they are ready.
5. 5Transfer the fried strips to paper towels to drain off excess oil and keep them warm.
6. 6Heat 2 tbsp oil in a clean pan, then sauté the chopped onion, 1 tbsp chopped garlic and the 3 chopped green chilies until the onion turns light pink and fragrant.
7. 7Add the fried egg pieces to the pan and toss gently so the strips begin to soak up the aromatics.
8. 8Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp pepper powder, 1/2 tsp sugar and salt to taste, then cook on medium flame for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the egg strips and the flavors meld.
9. 9Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with chopped spring onion and coriander leaves for fresh color and aroma.
10. 10Serve immediately with fried rice if you like; it makes a lovely, satisfying meal.