Quick and easy: the ultimate recipe for authentic sesame chicken and fried rice

Craving the tantalizing flavors of sesame chicken and the comforting warmth of fried rice? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets to creating these culinary delights in the comfort of your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and prepare to impress your taste buds with this irresistible duo.

Ingredients for Sesame Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Ingredients for Fried Rice

• 3 cups cooked rice, preferably day-old
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions for Sesame Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sesame Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
5. Combine the Sauce and Chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet and pour in the sesame sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully coated.
6. Toast the Sesame Seeds: In a small skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the sesame chicken and serve immediately.

Instructions for Fried Rice

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook until set. Break up the eggs into small pieces.
4. Add the Vegetables: Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrots, celery, and peas to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
6. Season the Rice: Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the rice. Stir well to combine.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the fried rice hot.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your dishes.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Sesame chicken should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Overcooking will result in dry, tough chicken.
• Toast the sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor and aroma.
• Use day-old rice: Day-old rice is less sticky and will yield better fried rice.
• Cook the rice in a large skillet: This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Fried Rice: Omit the eggs and add your favorite vegetables to the fried rice, such as broccoli, zucchini, or corn.
• Shrimp Fried Rice: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken in the sesame chicken recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Sesame Chicken: Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
• Fried Rice: Serve as a main course or side dish.
• Together: Combine sesame chicken and fried rice for a complete meal.

Final Note: A Culinary Triumph

Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of creating sesame chicken and fried rice. These dishes will undoubtedly become favorites in your culinary repertoire. Impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade, restaurant-quality meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What can I substitute for sesame seeds?
A: You can substitute sunflower seeds or peanuts for sesame seeds.

Q: How can I make the fried rice vegetarian?
A: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken in the fried rice recipe.

Q: Can I store the sesame chicken and fried rice?
A: Yes, you can store both dishes in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How can I reheat the sesame chicken and fried rice?
A: You can reheat the sesame chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can reheat the fried rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.