Chinese Sesame Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've probably heard of sesame chicken stir fry. This dish is a staple in Chinese restaurants and can be easily made at home with the right recipe. The dish is made by stir-frying chicken pieces in a sesame sauce that is both sweet and savoury. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

One of the great things about sesame chicken stir fry is that it is versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can use different types of vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas, to add more nutrition and flavour to the dish. Additionally, you can add seafood to the recipe to make it more interesting. Shrimp or scallops are great options that work well with the sesame sauce.

To make the perfect sesame chicken stir fry, you need to start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavour. Then, stir-fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown. Finally, toss the chicken in the sesame sauce and serve with steamed rice or noodles. With a little practice, you can make this delicious dish in no time.

Key Takeaways

• Sesame chicken stir fry is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
• Adding seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, can make the dish more interesting.
• Marinating the chicken and stir-frying it until it is crispy are key steps to making the perfect sesame chicken stir fry.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Main Ingredients

The main ingredient for Chinese Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Tofu can also be used as a substitute for chicken.

Sauce Components

The sauce for Chinese Sesame Chicken Stir Fry is made up of soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, sesame seeds, cornstarch, garlic and ginger. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.

Vegetable Add-Ins

The vegetable add-ins for Chinese Sesame Chicken Stir Fry include onion, carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli. You can also add in other vegetables of your choice such as mushrooms, snow peas, and water chestnuts. Proposing seafood as a suggestion, you can add in shrimp or prawns to the stir fry.

Substitute Options

If you are looking for substitutes for the main ingredients, tofu can be used instead of chicken. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch can be substituted with arrowroot powder. You can also substitute honey for sugar to add a natural sweetener to the dish.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before you start cooking your Chinese sesame chicken stir fry, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly. Here are some tips on how to prepare your ingredients:

Marinating the Chicken

The first step in making Chinese sesame chicken stir fry is to marinate the chicken. The marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. For this recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breast.

To make the marinade, combine cornstarch, egg white, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and add the chicken. Toss to coat and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor.

If you prefer seafood, you can also use shrimp or scallops in this recipe. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp before marinating.

Preparing Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the vegetables. For this recipe, you will need carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, and snow peas. You can also use bok choy, beans, or water chestnuts if you like.

Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. You can also use a vegetable peeler to create carrot ribbons for a more elegant presentation.

Once the chicken is marinated, you can start cooking the stir fry. With these preparation tips, you'll be on your way to making a delicious Chinese sesame chicken stir fry in no time.

Cooking Method

Stir Frying the Chicken

To make the perfect sesame chicken stir fry, you need to start by stir-frying the chicken. You can use a wok, skillet, or frying pan to do this. Heat some vegetable oil in the pan and add the chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is fully cooked and golden brown. Make sure not to overcook the chicken, or it will become tough and dry.

Making the Sauce

The sauce is what gives sesame chicken its unique flavour. To make the sauce, you will need sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until they are well combined. If you like your sesame chicken stir fry spicy, you can add some chilli flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Combining Ingredients

Once the chicken is cooked, you can add the sauce to the pan. Stir the chicken and sauce together until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Cook the chicken and sauce together for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

If you want to add some vegetables to your sesame chicken stir fry, you can add some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Simply add the vegetables to the pan after the chicken is cooked and sauté them for a few minutes until they are tender.

Garnish your sesame chicken stir fry with some chopped green onions for added flavour and colour. If you want to try something different, you can also add some seafood to your sesame chicken stir fry. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish. Just make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the pan with the chicken.

Overall, cooking sesame chicken stir fry is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious Chinese-inspired meal at home.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese sesame chicken stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas to help you create a perfect meal:

• Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic pairing with sesame chicken stir fry. You can also try brown rice for a healthier option.
• Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great alternative to traditional rice. It's easy to make and adds a delicious nutty flavour to the dish.
• Noodles: If you're in the mood for something different, try serving your sesame chicken stir fry with noodles. Egg noodles or rice noodles work well.
• Green onion: Sprinkle some chopped green onion on top of your sesame chicken stir fry for a burst of fresh flavour.
• Toasted sesame seeds: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of your dish.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to making your sesame chicken stir fry look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful presentation:

• Garnish: Add a pop of colour to your dish by garnishing it with some fresh herbs or sliced chilli.
• Bowls: Serve your sesame chicken stir fry in a bowl for a cosy and comforting meal.
• Chopsticks: For an authentic Chinese dining experience, serve your sesame chicken stir fry with chopsticks.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding some seafood to your sesame chicken stir fry. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish. Just make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the stir fry.

Nutritional Information

If you're looking for a healthier version of Chinese sesame chicken stir fry, you're in luck. This delicious dish can be made with lean chicken breast and low-sodium soy sauce. Additionally, you can add a variety of vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.

One serving of sesame chicken stir fry typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the recipe and serving size. However, this can vary depending on the ingredients used. It's important to pay attention to the nutrition facts of the ingredients you're using, especially if you're trying to maintain a certain calorie or macronutrient intake.

To make this dish even healthier, you can also propose the use of seafood, such as shrimp or scallops. These options are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great addition to the dish. However, make sure to cook the seafood separately from the chicken to avoid overcooking or undercooking either ingredient.

Overall, Chinese sesame chicken stir fry can be a nutritious and delicious meal option. By using lean protein, low-sodium soy sauce, and a variety of vegetables, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients do I need for an authentic Chinese sesame chicken stir fry?

To make an authentic Chinese sesame chicken stir fry, you will need chicken thighs or chicken breast, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame seeds. You can also add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers to add more flavour and nutrition to your dish.

How do I make crispy sesame chicken like in Chinese takeaways?

To achieve the crispy texture of sesame chicken like in Chinese takeaways, you should coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and egg white before frying it in hot oil. This will create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.

Can I use chicken breast for a sesame chicken stir fry, and if so, how should I prepare it?

Yes, you can use chicken breast for a sesame chicken stir fry. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces and marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavour.

What's the best way to serve sesame chicken stir fry with rice?

Sesame chicken stir fry is best served with steamed rice. You can also add some vegetables such as broccoli or carrots to your rice for added nutrition and texture.

How can I incorporate honey into a sesame chicken recipe without it being too sweet?

To incorporate honey into a sesame chicken recipe without it being too sweet, you can use less honey or mix it with other ingredients such as soy sauce, vinegar, or ginger to balance the sweetness. You can also use honey sparingly as a glaze or topping instead of mixing it into the sauce.

Is sesame oil essential in a Chinese sesame chicken stir fry, and what's the best type to use?

Yes, sesame oil is essential in a Chinese sesame chicken stir fry as it adds a nutty and aromatic flavour to the dish. The best type of sesame oil to use is toasted sesame oil as it has a stronger and more distinct flavour than regular sesame oil.

If you want to experiment with seafood, you can try adding shrimp or scallops to your sesame chicken stir fry for a delicious twist. Simply cook the seafood separately and add it to the stir fry towards the end of cooking.