Vegan Chick'N Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal or 1¾ teaspoons Morton kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 package Nasoya Chick’n
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Diamond Crystal or 3½ teaspoons Morton kosher salt, plus more
• 1 vegan egg
• 1 cup vegan buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s); plus more for serving (optional)
• Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying; about 6 cups)
• 4 seeded soft hamburger buns
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Nasoya White Kimchi (for serving), plus 1 tablespoon brine
• 4 cups thinly sliced iceberg lettuce
• Freshly ground black pepper