Introduction
If you’re craving a delicious, homemade dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and savory delight, look no further than sesame chicken. This recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy exterior and enveloped in a mouthwatering sauce. Perfect for serving over rice, sesame chicken is a crowd-pleaser that can easily elevate your dinner table or serve as a comforting weeknight meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken:
– ⅔ cup cornstarch
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 pinch ground black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
– 1-2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
– ½ cup honey
– ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 teaspoons sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons sriracha
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons minced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger, minced
– Chopped green onion, for serving
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Indulge in this scrumptious sesame chicken recipe that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family or guests. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dry Mixture
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Egg Wash
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the large eggs together until uniform.
Dredge the Chicken
Take the bite-size pieces of chicken and dredge them in the dry mixture. Next, add the coated chicken pieces to the egg wash, allowing the excess egg to drip off before dredging them again in the flour mixture. Once coated, transfer the chicken pieces to a large plate or sheet pan for preparation.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat until it is hot and ready for frying.
Add the Chicken to the Skillet
Use tongs to carefully transfer the dredged chicken pieces to the skillet with the hot oil. Turn off the heat once all chicken pieces are in the skillet.
Fry the Chicken
Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. After frying, transfer the chicken to a sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and cornstarch.
Add Aromatics
To the saucepan mixture, add the minced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir to incorporate.
Simmer the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the Dish
Serve the sesame chicken over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onion for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Frying Tips
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying; too hot can burn the chicken, and too cool can lead to greasy chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the sesame chicken with steamed vegetables or a salad to balance the meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the texture.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
In a large shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well mixed, ensuring there are no lumps for even coating.
Dredging Chicken
To coat the chicken, first dredge the bite-sized pieces in the dry mixture. Next, dip them in whisked eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off, then coat them again in the flour mixture for added crispiness.
Frying Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces in batches. Fry them for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach a golden brown color and have a crispy texture.
Preparing the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and cornstarch. Add minced onion, garlic, and ginger, then heat the mixture over medium until it simmers, stirring to thicken.
Coating Fried Chicken with Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins like tofu, shrimp, or pork, adjusting the cooking times as necessary.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
You can reduce or omit the sriracha from the sauce to make the dish milder. Alternatively, you can replace it with a sweet chili sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat it before adding the fried chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. A meat thermometer will register an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
This sesame chicken recipe delivers a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich sauce that beautifully coats the fried chicken, making it a favorite among family and friends. Serve it over rice and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Celebrate the tangy flavors of sweet and sour chicken by using pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and a vinegar-based sauce to create a vibrant dish.
General Tso’s Chicken
Try adjusting the spices and adding a kick with more sriracha or red pepper flakes for a classic General Tso’s Chicken that offers a balance of sweetness and heat.
Orange Chicken
Incorporate orange juice and zest into the sauce for a citrusy twist that brightens up the dish with refreshing flavors.
Teriyaki Chicken
Replace the sesame sauce with a homemade teriyaki glaze that includes soy sauce, mirin, and a touch of sugar for a different yet equally satisfying flavor profile.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Serve your sesame chicken alongside vegetable fried rice, combining cooked rice with peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for a hearty side dish.
Garlic and Ginger Tofu
For a vegetarian alternative, use tofu instead of chicken and keep the flavorful sauce to create a satisfying and healthy option.
Asian Salad
Pair the sesame chicken with a fresh Asian salad featuring mixed greens, carrots, and sesame dressing for a light yet fulfilling meal.
