Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and savory flavor, crispy chicken, and nutty sesame seeds. It’s a favorite in many households and restaurants. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making sesame chicken from scratch. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right ingredients to the final presentation. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
Cutting the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and is easy to eat. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Coating the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder. This mixture will help create a crispy coating on the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the cornstarch mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best texture.
Frying the Chicken
Heating the Oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of chicken into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
Frying the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook each batch for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making the Sesame Sauce
Combining the Sauce Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Thickening the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Coating the Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Garnishing
Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for added flavor and visual appeal. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the sweet and savory sauce.
Serving Sesame Chicken
Side Dishes
Sesame chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Steamed white rice is a classic choice, as it helps balance the richness of the sauce. You can also serve it with fried rice, noodles, or a simple vegetable stir-fry.
Presentation
For an authentic touch, serve the sesame chicken in a large, shallow bowl or on a platter. Arrange the chicken pieces neatly and drizzle any extra sauce over the top. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken
Choosing the Right Chicken
While both chicken breasts and thighs work well, thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor. If you’re using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
Frying Tips
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
Sauce Consistency
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not too thick that it becomes gloppy. If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Customizing the Flavor
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste. You can add more honey for extra sweetness or a bit more soy sauce for a saltier flavor. Some people also like to add a touch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Healthier Alternatives
Baking Instead of Frying
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
Using Less Oil
You can also reduce the amount of oil used for frying by using a non-stick skillet and just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. This method will still give you crispy chicken without the excess oil.
Low-Sodium Options
For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of salt in the coating mixture. You can also use a sugar substitute in place of brown sugar if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Conclusion
Making sesame chicken at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious, crispy, and flavorful sesame chicken that will impress your family and friends. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with healthier alternatives, sesame chicken is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!
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