Chinese Sesame Chicken Recipe: How to Make it at Home

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, you've probably heard of sesame chicken. This popular dish is a takeout staple, but did you know that you can make it at home? With a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a delicious, homemade version of this classic recipe.

The key ingredients for Chinese sesame chicken include chicken breast, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Some recipes also call for honey, vinegar, and other seasonings. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and other ingredients, then coated in a batter and fried until crispy. The sauce is made separately and typically includes soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil, along with other seasonings. Once the chicken is cooked, it is tossed in the sauce and served with steamed rice and vegetables.

If you're looking to switch things up, you can also try adding seafood to your sesame chicken recipe. Shrimp is a popular option, and can be used in place of or in addition to the chicken. Other seafood options include scallops, squid, and mussels. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly, as seafood typically cooks faster than chicken. With a little experimentation, you can create a delicious and unique version of this classic recipe.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese sesame chicken is a popular takeout dish that can be made at home with a few key ingredients and some simple steps.
• The recipe typically includes chicken breast, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds, and can be adapted to include seafood such as shrimp or scallops.
• Serve your sesame chicken with steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese Sesame Chicken, there are a few key ingredients that you simply cannot do without. Here are the main components that you will need to create a delicious and authentic dish:

Chicken Selection

The most common type of chicken used for Sesame Chicken is boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs. For the best results, it is recommended to use skinless chicken thighs as they tend to be more tender and juicy. However, you can use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option. If you want to experiment with seafood, you can try using shrimp or prawns, which can be a tasty alternative to chicken.

Sauce Components

The sauce is what gives Sesame Chicken its unique flavour. The main components of the sauce are soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. You can use either rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine to add a tangy flavour to the sauce. In addition, sesame oil, garlic, and honey are commonly used to enhance the taste of the sauce. Cornstarch is also used to thicken the sauce to give it a sticky texture.

To summarise, the key ingredients for making Chinese Sesame Chicken are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, honey, sesame seeds, and cornstarch. You can experiment with different variations of these ingredients to create your own unique recipe. If you want to try something different, you can also use seafood such as shrimp or prawns to make a delicious seafood version of Sesame Chicken.

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken

Before you start cooking, you need to marinate the chicken to ensure that it is flavourful and tender. You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use prawns or squid.

To marinate the chicken, mix together egg white, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 80-proof vodka, baking soda, salt and pepper in a bowl. Then, add the chicken to the bowl and mix until well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Creating the Batter

The batter is what gives the sesame chicken its extra crunch. To create the batter, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and pepper in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together egg white and water until frothy.

Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until you get a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out.

When you're ready to fry the chicken, dip each piece into the batter and coat it well. Shake off any excess batter and then fry the chicken in hot oil until it is crispy and golden brown. You can also use sesame oil for extra flavour.

Remember to drain the excess oil from the chicken by placing it on a paper towel before serving.

That's it! With these simple steps, you can make delicious Chinese sesame chicken at home. Enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Frying the Chicken

To make Chinese sesame chicken, you need to start by frying the chicken. You can use a wok or a frying pan for this. Heat up some canola oil in your wok or frying pan until it reaches a temperature of 350°F. If you prefer a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken in the oven. Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch, and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the chicken with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or until crispy.

If you want to deep fry the chicken, use a deep pot or a deep fryer. Fill the pot with vegetable oil and heat it up to 350°F. Use a slotted spoon to gently place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Sauce Simmering

Once the chicken is cooked, it's time to make the sauce. In a pot, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce on low heat until it thickens and becomes glossy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If you want to add seafood to the recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply add them to the sauce and simmer until they are cooked through.

Once the sauce is ready, toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with steamed rice. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese sesame chicken is a delicious dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. One of the most popular options is steamed rice, which helps to balance out the flavours of the dish. You can also serve the sesame chicken with noodles, either stir-fried or boiled. If you want to add some extra nutrition to your meal, consider serving the sesame chicken with some steamed broccoli.

If you're looking for a sweet accompaniment, try serving the sesame chicken with some sweet chilli sauce. This will add a touch of sweetness to the dish and help to balance out the savoury flavours. Alternatively, you can add some honey to the sesame sauce for a sweeter taste.

If you're a seafood lover, you can also add some seafood to the dish. Shrimp or prawns can be added to the chicken to create a delicious seafood and chicken combo. Another option is to serve the sesame chicken with some seafood fried rice.

Garnishing

Garnishing is an important part of any dish, and sesame chicken is no exception. One of the most common garnishes for sesame chicken is toasted sesame seeds. These add a nutty flavour and a bit of crunch to the dish. You can also garnish the dish with some chopped spring onions or scallions for some extra freshness.

If you want to add some colour to the dish, consider garnishing it with some red chilli flakes or some red bell peppers. This will not only make the dish look more appealing but will also add some heat to the dish.

When serving sesame chicken, it's important to remember that presentation is key. Serve the dish on a large platter with the accompaniments and garnishes arranged neatly around the chicken. This will not only make the dish look more appetising but will also make it more enjoyable to eat.

Overall, sesame chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments and garnishes. Whether you prefer your sesame chicken sweet or savoury, with rice or noodles, there are plenty of options to choose from. So why not try making sesame chicken at home and experiment with different accompaniments and garnishes to find your perfect combination?

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Chinese sesame chicken, it's important to be mindful of the nutritional information. While this dish is delicious, it can be high in calories and fat. However, there are ways to make a healthier version of this classic dish.

According to USDA, an average serving of nine pieces of sesame chicken contains about 554 calories. It also contains 27 grams of total fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, and 112 milligrams of cholesterol. If you're looking to reduce your calorie and fat intake, you can try making a healthier version of this dish.

One way to make a healthier version of Chinese sesame chicken is to use leaner cuts of chicken and to bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use less oil and sugar in the sauce to reduce calories. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to the dish to increase its nutritional value.

If you're looking to add more protein to your dish, you can also consider adding seafood to your Chinese sesame chicken. Shrimp is a great option that pairs well with the sesame chicken sauce. You can also try adding scallops or crab meat for a delicious seafood twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure that the seafood is cooked through.

Overall, Chinese sesame chicken can be a delicious and satisfying dish, but it's important to be mindful of its nutritional information. By making a few simple adjustments, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish that still tastes great.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients for a classic sesame chicken sauce?

The key ingredients for a classic sesame chicken sauce include soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. These ingredients combine to create a sweet and savoury sauce that complements the crispy chicken.

How can I make sesame chicken with a crispy texture?

To achieve a crispy texture, the chicken should be coated in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. You can also add baking powder to the mixture to help create a lighter and crispier texture. It's important to fry the chicken in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy.

What's the simplest way to prepare sesame chicken for a quick dinner?

The simplest way to prepare sesame chicken for a quick dinner is to use pre-cut chicken strips or nuggets. Coat them in the cornstarch and flour mixture, fry them until crispy, and toss them in the sesame sauce. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

How does honey enhance the flavour of sesame chicken?

Honey adds sweetness to the sesame sauce, which balances out the savoury flavours of the soy sauce and garlic. It also helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a shiny appearance.

Could you suggest some side dishes that pair well with sesame chicken?

Some side dishes that pair well with sesame chicken include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and egg rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try serving it with seafood dishes like shrimp fried rice or stir-fried squid.

What are the main differences between General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken?

While both dishes feature crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savoury sauce, General Tso's chicken is typically spicier and has a more complex flavour profile. It also often includes vegetables like broccoli and peppers, while sesame chicken is usually served on its own or with a simple vegetable side dish.