Unlock the secrets: how to create restaurant-quality sesame chicken in your own kitchen

Sesame chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. While it’s often enjoyed at restaurants, making sesame chicken at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from preparing the chicken to creating the irresistible sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions:

#1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
• Dip the chicken cubes into the beaten egg, then coat them again in the cornstarch mixture.

#2. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Carefully add the chicken cubes to the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain it on paper towels.

#3. Make the Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.

#4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the fried chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coated the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.

#5. Add the Sesame Seeds:

• Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to combine.

#6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the sesame chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with additional sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat it in the cornstarch mixture.
• Use a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.
• Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey to your desired sweetness level.

Variations:

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Replace the rice vinegar with orange juice and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sauce.

Conclusion:

Making sesame chicken at home is a culinary adventure that will impress your family and friends. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create this delicious dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So next time you crave sesame chicken, skip the takeout and embrace the joy of cooking it yourself.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Cut them into 1-inch cubes and follow the same cooking instructions.

Q: How long can I store sesame chicken?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze sesame chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze sesame chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.