Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that is loved by many people all over the world. It is a delicious combination of crispy chicken pieces that are coated with a sweet and savory sauce, and topped with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. While this dish is often ordered from Chinese restaurants, it is surprisingly easy to make at home. In this blog article, I will be sharing with you a simple and easy-to-follow sesame chicken recipe that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Recipe Tips
Before we dive into the recipe, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• To get that crispy texture, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before frying.
• Use a deep-fryer or a heavy-bottomed skillet to fry the chicken. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken.
• For the sauce, use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Don't skip the sesame seeds! They add a nutty flavor and a nice crunch to the dish.
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Now, let's get cooking! Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
For the sauce:
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk until smooth.
• Add the chicken pieces to the batter and toss until well coated.
• In a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F/175°C.
• Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
• Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sauce mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
• Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce and toss until well coated.
• Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds.
Substitutes
Here are some substitutions you can make for certain ingredients:
• Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Cornstarch: You can use potato starch or arrowroot starch instead of cornstarch.
• Soy sauce: You can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Rice vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
• Sesame chicken is typically served with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. Here are some other ideas to serve with sesame chicken:
• Noodles: Serve the sesame chicken over cooked noodles such as udon, soba or rice noodles.
• Salad: Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of greens and vegetables for a lighter option.
• Wraps: Use the sesame chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortilla wraps with some sliced cucumbers and carrots.
Sesame chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home with a few simple ingredients. It's a great dish to serve for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. The key to making this dish a success is to follow the recipe tips carefully, especially when frying the chicken and making the sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and serving suggestions to make this dish your own. So next time you're craving some Chinese takeout, try making this sesame chicken recipe at home instead!
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