Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish to serve for dinner, look no further than this sesame chicken recipe. With crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures. This dish can be easily prepared at home and pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a family favorite. Here’s everything you need to know to create this delightful 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
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
To prepare this sesame chicken, start by mixing the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dredge the chicken pieces in the dry mixture, dip them in the eggs, and then dredge again in the flour mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the coated chicken until golden brown.
While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in minced onion, garlic, and ginger, then bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens.
Finally, toss the fried chicken in the sauce, serve it over cooked rice, and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy your homemade sesame chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dry Coating Mixture
In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs together until fully beaten.
Dredge the Chicken
Take the bite-size pieces of chicken and dredge them in the dry coating mixture. Then dip each piece into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, dredge the chicken once again in the dry mixture and transfer the coated pieces to a large plate or sheet pan.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is heated sufficiently before frying.
Fry the Chicken
Using tongs, carefully transfer the coated chicken pieces to the heated skillet. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a separate saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and cornstarch. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Add Aromatics to the Sauce
Incorporate the minced onion, garlic, and ginger into the sauce mixture, stirring well to ensure even distribution.
Cook the Sauce
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine Chicken with Sauce
Add the fried chicken pieces to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss the chicken gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the Dish
Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
Oil Temperature
Ensure the vegetable oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior.
Batch Frying
Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying. Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Adjusting Spice Level
You can adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preferred spice level in the sauce.
Storage
Leftover sesame chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Cook techniques
Dredging
Dredging involves coating chicken pieces in a mixture of cornstarch and flour, followed by dipping in beaten eggs, and then coating again. This creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
Frying
Frying is a cooking method that uses hot oil to cook food quickly. For this recipe, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, and carefully add the coated chicken pieces, cooking them until golden brown.
Simmering
Simmering refers to cooking a sauce over medium heat, bringing it just to a bubble. This allows flavors to meld and ensures that ingredients like onion, garlic, and ginger soften without burning.
Coating
Coating is the process of tossing the fried chicken in the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. This enhances flavor and adds moisture to the dish.
Garnishing
Garnishing involves adding a finishing touch, such as chopped green onions, before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also contributes fresh flavor.
FAQ
Can I use another type of oil for frying?
Yes, you can use oils with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, instead of vegetable oil.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the chicken.
What can I serve with sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
Conclusion
The sesame chicken recipe provides a delightful combination of crunchy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce. The use of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich flavor profile that is enhanced by the freshness of ginger and garlic. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a satisfying meal for the entire family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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