Unveiled: the secret to perfectly crispy sesame chicken you’ll crave
Sesame chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory-sweet sauce. If you’ve been yearning to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to prepare mouthwatering sesame chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Set aside.
3. Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken cubes and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sauce
Wipe the pan clean and return it to medium heat. Pour in the prepared sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is caramelized.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for garnish. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat it in cornstarch before frying.
- If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Adjust the amount of hoisin sauce to your desired sweetness level.
- Serve the sesame chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Sesame Chicken: Replace the hoisin sauce with honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Orange Sesame Chicken: Add a splash of orange juice or orange zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
Storage
Store leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
“Sesame Chicken-ing” the Conclusion
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to prepare sesame chicken that will impress your family and friends. Its crispy texture, savory-sweet sauce, and versatility make it a dish that will satisfy any craving. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with a taste of China in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dark meat chicken instead of white meat?
A: Yes, you can use dark meat chicken, but it will have a slightly different flavor and texture.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have a wok?
A: You can use a large skillet or Dutch oven instead.
Q: Can I make the sesame chicken sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.
Q: How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?
A: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Q: What sides can I serve with sesame chicken?
A: Steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables are all great options.
