Authentic Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably tried sesame chicken at least once. This popular dish is known for its crispy texture, sweet and savoury sauce, and fragrant sesame flavour. But did you know that there's an authentic Chinese sesame chicken recipe that's different from the American version you might be familiar with?
The authentic Chinese sesame chicken recipe is a little more complex than the American version, but it's worth the effort. This recipe uses dark meat chicken and a variety of seasonings, including Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and ginger. The chicken is first marinated, then coated in a batter made with cornstarch and egg whites, and finally fried until crispy. The sauce is made with sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, and is poured over the chicken just before serving.
If you're looking to make an authentic Chinese sesame chicken recipe at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, be sure to use dark meat chicken for the best flavour and texture. Second, don't skimp on the seasonings – they're what give the dish its distinctive taste. And finally, consider adding seafood to the recipe for an extra dimension of flavour. Shrimp or scallops are both great options that pair well with the sesame chicken.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Chinese sesame chicken is different from the American version you might be familiar with.
- The recipe uses dark meat chicken and a variety of seasonings for a distinctive taste.
- Consider adding seafood to the recipe for an extra dimension of flavour.
Origins and Popularity
If you're a fan of Chinese food, you've probably had sesame chicken at least once. This dish is a staple in Chinese restaurants and takeout places across the world.
Sesame Chicken vs General Tso's Chicken
Sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken are both popular Chinese chicken dishes, but they are not the same. Sesame chicken is made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a thick sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The chicken is then stir-fried with vegetables and served with rice. On the other hand, General Tso's chicken is made with crispy fried chicken that is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Sesame Chicken in Chinese Restaurants
Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that originated in Chinese-American cuisine. It is believed to have been created in the 1970s in the United States, and it quickly became a staple in Chinese takeout and restaurant menus across the country.
When you go to a Chinese restaurant, you'll likely find sesame chicken on the menu. Some popular Chinese restaurant chains, such as Panda Express, also offer sesame chicken on their menus. If you're looking to try something new, you can always ask the restaurant if they can make sesame chicken with seafood instead of chicken. Some great seafood options to use in this recipe include shrimp, prawns, and scallops.
Sesame chicken is a delicious and popular dish that is enjoyed by many. Whether you're ordering takeout or dining in at a Chinese restaurant, be sure to give this dish a try.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to making authentic Chinese sesame chicken, the choice of chicken is critical. Chicken breast and chicken thighs are the most commonly used cuts of chicken for this recipe. Chicken breast is leaner and has a milder flavour, while chicken thighs are juicier and more flavourful. You can use either chicken breast or chicken thighs, or a combination of both, depending on your preference.
If you want to add a seafood twist to your sesame chicken, you can use prawns or shrimp. Prawns and shrimp are a great substitute for chicken and work well with the sesame sauce.
Sauce and Seasoning Essentials
The sauce is the key to making authentic Chinese sesame chicken. The sauce is a combination of soy sauce, sesame seeds, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other seasonings. Dark soy sauce is used to give the sauce its deep brown colour, while light soy sauce is used to add saltiness to the dish. Rice vinegar is used to balance the sweetness of the sugar and honey, while toasted sesame seeds are added for flavour and texture.
If you don't have some of the ingredients listed above, you can make substitutions. For example, you can use honey or brown sugar instead of sugar, or ketchup instead of tomato sauce. You can also use cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Shaoxing wine is an essential ingredient in Chinese cooking, but if you don't have it, you can use dry sherry or rice wine as a substitute. Chicken stock can be used to add depth of flavour to the sauce, but if you don't have it, you can use vegetable stock or water instead.
When making authentic Chinese sesame chicken, it's important to choose the right cut of chicken and use the right combination of seasonings and sauces. By following these tips and making substitutions where necessary, you can create a delicious and authentic sesame chicken dish that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation Techniques
Marinating for Flavour
Marinating the chicken is an essential step in making authentic Chinese sesame chicken. It not only adds flavour to the chicken but also tenderizes it. To marinate the chicken, you will need egg white, cornstarch, and baking soda. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl and add the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Achieving the Perfect Fry
Frying the chicken is the most crucial step in making sesame chicken. To achieve the perfect fry, you will need a wok or a deep skillet. Add enough vegetable oil to the wok or skillet to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F. Using a slotted spoon, gently place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the wok or skillet. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
If you're health-conscious, you can also use an air fryer or a deep fryer to cook the chicken. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ slightly from the traditional method.
Seafood lovers can also use seafood such as prawns or squid instead of chicken to make sesame seafood. The marinating and frying technique remains the same. However, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as seafood cooks faster than chicken.
By following these simple preparation techniques, you can make the perfect sesame chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Cooking and Serving
Stir-Frying the Chicken
To make authentic Chinese sesame chicken, you will need to stir-fry the chicken. You can do this in a wok or frying pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry until it is crispy and golden brown.
To achieve the perfect crispy texture, you can dust the chicken with cornstarch before stir-frying it. This will also help the sauce stick to the chicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the sesame sauce and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Complementary Side Dishes
Sesame chicken is traditionally served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the sweet and salty flavours of the dish. You can also serve it with noodles or steamed broccoli.
For an added seafood twist, you can also add shrimp or prawns to the dish. Stir-fry the seafood along with the chicken until it is cooked through.
To enhance the flavour of the dish, you can also garnish it with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the sesame chicken hot with chopsticks for a truly authentic Chinese experience.
Overall, sesame chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crispy texture and sweet and salty flavour, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to sesame chicken, it's important to be mindful of the nutritional information. An average serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken contains approximately 554 calories. It also contains 27 grams of total fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, and 112 milligrams of cholesterol.
If you're looking for a healthier version of sesame chicken, consider using leaner cuts of chicken such as chicken breast and baking it instead of frying it. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fibre content. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value.
If you're a seafood lover, you can also incorporate seafood into the recipe. For example, you can use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken. These seafood options are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great addition to any meal.
Here's a table summarizing the nutritional information of an average serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 554 |
| Total Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 112 mg |
In conclusion, while sesame chicken can be a delicious and satisfying meal, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional information. By making small changes to the recipe, such as using leaner cuts of chicken or adding more vegetables, you can make it a healthier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make the sauce for sesame chicken?
The sauce for sesame chicken is a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, and then set the mixture aside.
What's the secret to tender chicken in Chinese cooking?
The secret to tender chicken in Chinese cooking is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to break down the proteins in the chicken and tenderize it.
Could you recommend an easy sesame chicken recipe?
An easy sesame chicken recipe involves coating chicken pieces in cornstarch and frying them until crispy. Then, toss the chicken in a sauce made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added flavour.
How does sesame chicken differ from General Tso's chicken?
Sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken are similar dishes, but sesame chicken features toasted sesame seeds and is milder when it comes to spice. General Tso's chicken is typically spicier and has a slightly sweeter sauce.
Can I prepare sesame chicken using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare sesame chicken using a slow cooker. Simply coat the chicken in cornstarch and brown it in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
What's a good sesame chicken recipe that includes rice?
A good sesame chicken recipe that includes rice is to serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice. Alternatively, you could cook the rice with chicken broth and add vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions for added flavour and nutrition. If you want to add seafood to the dish, you could use prawns or scallops in the sauce for a delicious twist.