Transform your home kitchen into a chinese bistro: uncover the secrets of perfect sesame chicken
What To Know
- This comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of creating this delectable dish, ensuring crispy chicken coated in a savory and aromatic sesame sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry.
- In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken pieces with the sesame sauce.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of sesame chicken but don’t know where to start? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of creating this delectable dish, ensuring crispy chicken coated in a savory and aromatic sesame sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
2. Prepare the Sesame Sauce
In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Gradually add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Fry the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F. Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the beaten egg, then into the cornstarch mixture again. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the fried chicken pieces with the sesame sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- For a more flavorful chicken, marinate it for longer.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
- Use a neutral-tasting oil for frying, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
- If the sesame sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
- Serve the sesame chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.
Variations
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or Sriracha sauce to the sesame sauce.
- Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sesame sauce.
- Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the sesame sauce.
The Ultimate Sesame Chicken Experience
Making sesame chicken at home is a rewarding culinary experience that will impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. By following these steps and tips, you can create this iconic dish with crispy, flavorful chicken coated in a tantalizing sesame sauce. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stovetop, and embark on the culinary journey to sesame chicken perfection!
Information You Need to Know
Q: How can I make the sesame chicken crispy?
A: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then double-coat it in cornstarch before frying.
Q: Can I bake the sesame chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with sesame chicken?
A: Rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or egg rolls are all excellent choices.