Sesame Chicken

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Sesame Chicken is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese-American cuisine, and for good reason. The crispy, tender chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, savory sauce is an irresistible combination that makes for a fantastic meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish will surely hit the spot. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and can be prepared in less than an hour.

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In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of making this crowd-pleasing dish, from the crispy batter to the rich sesame sauce. We’ll also provide some useful tips, ingredient substitutions, and variations to help you personalize the recipe. So, let’s get started on creating a meal that’s full of flavor and texture.

The Appeal of Sesame Chicken

What makes Sesame Chicken so irresistible? For starters, it’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The batter-fried chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside. The sesame sauce, made from a combination of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil, is the perfect accompaniment, adding a delightful sweet and savory taste that coats the crispy chicken.

But it’s not just the sauce that makes this dish stand out. The sesame seeds themselves add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that further elevates the dish. Top it off with fresh green onions, and you’ve got a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Another reason why Sesame Chicken is so popular is its versatility. It’s a dish that can be made quickly at home using easily accessible ingredients, yet it feels just as satisfying as a restaurant meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please. The sauce is also customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this Sesame Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s take a closer look at each component:

Chicken

The star of this dish is the chicken, which should be cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying and eating. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken breasts will yield a leaner, more delicate texture, while thighs provide a juicier, richer flavor. Either option will work well, so choose according to your personal taste.

The Batter

The batter is crucial in achieving the perfect crispy coating. It’s made with cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water. Cornstarch helps create that signature crispiness that’s characteristic of fried chicken in Chinese-American cuisine. The flour provides some structure, while the egg white helps bind the ingredients together and adds a bit of richness. Soy sauce and white pepper give the batter a savory flavor, while water is added to adjust the consistency of the batter.

Sesame Sauce

The sesame sauce is what makes this dish truly stand out. It’s a combination of honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and garlic. The honey and brown sugar bring sweetness, while the soy sauce and sesame oil provide a rich, savory base. The ketchup adds a slight tang, and the rice vinegar gives the sauce a bit of acidity, balancing the sweetness. Shaoxing wine, a type of Chinese rice wine, adds depth and complexity to the sauce. If you can’t find shaoxing wine, dry sherry can be used as a substitute. Finally, garlic is grated to give the sauce a fragrant, aromatic kick.

Garnishes

Once the chicken is coated in the sesame sauce, the dish is topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. The sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also provide an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Green onions add a fresh, slightly peppery taste that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you know what goes into making Sesame Chicken, let’s walk through the process of preparing this dish step by step. It’s a straightforward recipe that comes together quickly, so let’s dive in.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by making the batter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, soy sauce, egg white, white pepper, and water. Stir until you have a smooth batter that’s thick enough to coat the chicken but not too thick that it won’t fry properly. If the batter is too thick, add a little more water to loosen it. The batter should have a consistency that’s similar to paint – smooth and slightly runny.

Once the batter is ready, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to gently mix the chicken, ensuring that every piece is fully coated in the batter. Make sure not to overcrowd the chicken, as this could lead to uneven coating or greasy chicken. It’s best to coat the chicken in small batches.

Step 2: Deep Fry the Chicken

Next, heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to around 330-340°F (165-170°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the chicken pieces for frying. If you don’t have a deep fryer, a regular pot will work as well, but make sure to use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.

Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check if the chicken is fully cooked by cutting one piece in half and ensuring there’s no pink in the center.

Step 3: Double Fry for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

For an extra crispy texture, you can double fry the chicken. After the first fry, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the chicken for another 30-60 seconds. This step helps to achieve a super crispy coating, and it’s highly recommended if you want that signature crunchy texture. After the second fry, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the sesame sauce. In a large pan or wok, combine the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and grated garlic. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the ingredients combine.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce should be glossy and smooth, with a balance of sweetness, tang, and savory flavor. Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the chicken.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with the Sesame Sauce

Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the sesame sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly in the sauce. You can use a spatula or tongs to make sure every piece is fully covered in the sticky, glossy sauce. Once the chicken is coated, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and give it another gentle toss to distribute the seeds.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Sesame Chicken to a serving dish and top with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful garnish. Serve the dish immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is warm. You can pair the Sesame Chicken with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Flavor and Texture

The flavors and textures of Sesame Chicken are what make it so satisfying. The chicken itself is crispy on the outside, thanks to the batter and double frying, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The sauce adds a rich sweetness balanced with savory soy sauce and sesame oil, and the sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

The green onions on top bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce, and the overall dish is both comforting and full of flavor. Each bite is a perfect combination of crispy, tender, sweet, savory, and crunchy – an ideal balance that makes Sesame Chicken a favorite for so many.

Tips and Variations

• Make It Spicy: If you prefer a spicier version of Sesame Chicken, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sesame sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Healthier Option: For a lighter version of this dish, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Coat the chicken in the batter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. While it may not be as crispy as the fried version, it’s still delicious and healthier.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist on this dish, substitute the chicken with tofu or a mixture of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. The tofu can be pressed and sliced into bite-sized pieces, and the vegetables can be stir-fried before being coated in the sesame sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the cornstarch and flour with gluten-free flour blends. Make sure that the soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

Serving Suggestions

Sesame Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or even noodles. The rice soaks up the savory sauce, complementing the flavors of the dish perfectly. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to add some color and nutritional value to the meal.

For a fun twist, serve Sesame Chicken in lettuce wraps or as a filling for soft tortillas. It’s a great way to turn the dish into a finger food, perfect for casual gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines crispy fried chicken with a sweet and savory sesame sauce. The texture of the chicken and the richness of the sauce make it a dish that will leave everyone craving more. With the right balance of ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and variations to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer a spicier version or want to try a healthier baked alternative, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you’re craving Chinese food at home, give this Sesame Chicken recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!