Sesame chicken is a popular and beloved Chinese-American dish known for its tantalizing flavors and satisfying combination of crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re a fan of takeout or you prefer to cook your favorite dishes at home, learning how to make sesame chicken from scratch can be a rewarding culinary adventure. In this article, we will take you through the steps of creating a mouthwatering sesame chicken recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Part 1: Ingredients
To get started on your journey to creating the perfect sesame chicken, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
1 cup of cornstarch for coating.
2 large eggs.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Vegetable oil for frying.
For the Sauce:
1/2 cup of honey.
1/4 cup of soy sauce.
2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
1/4 cup of ketchup.
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 tablespoon of rice vinegar.
1/4 cup of brown sugar.
1/4 cup of water.
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening).
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds for garnish.
Sliced green onions for garnish.
Part 2: Preparing the Chicken
Step 1: Marinating
Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a bowl, beat the eggs and dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs to coat them thoroughly. This will help the cornstarch adhere to the chicken pieces better.
Step 2: Coating
Next, in a separate bowl, add the cornstarch. Take each egg-coated chicken piece and roll it in the cornstarch until it’s well coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet or plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Frying
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (180°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the fried chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Part 3: Preparing the Sauce
While the chicken is frying, you can start preparing the delicious sesame chicken sauce.
Step 1: Sauteing Garlic
In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 2: Creating the Sauce
Add the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water to the saucepan with the sautéed garlic. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Thickening
In a small bowl, mix the tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. The sauce should be glossy and smooth.
Part 4: Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is crispy and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
Step 1: Coating the Chicken
Transfer the fried chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot sesame chicken sauce over the crispy chicken and toss everything together until the chicken pieces are well coated with the sauce.
Step 2: Garnishing
To add a delightful visual element and enhance the sesame flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the sesame chicken.
Part 5: Serving and Enjoying
Your homemade sesame chicken is now ready to be served. Here are a few tips for serving and enjoying this delicious dish:
Serve your sesame chicken over steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
You can also garnish with additional sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a dash of red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
In this article, we’ve explored the delightful world of homemade sesame chicken. By following the step-by-step instructions and using fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality sesame chicken dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering goodness of homemade sesame chicken.
Variations and Tips
Now that you’ve mastered the classic sesame chicken recipe, let’s explore some variations and additional tips to elevate your culinary skills even further.
Variations:
Sesame Shrimp: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this dish. Adjust the cooking time as shrimp cook much faster than chicken.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken to create a vegetarian version of sesame chicken. Make sure to press and dry the tofu before frying it to achieve a crispy texture.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure the cornstarch used for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce is gluten-free.
Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture if you prefer your sesame chicken with a spicy kick.
Additional Tips:
Maintain Oil Temperature: When frying the chicken, maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (180°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This will help keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar used. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or sugar.
Sesame Seeds: Toast the sesame seeds before adding them as a garnish to enhance their nutty flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over low heat and stir until they become golden brown.
Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and ginger for the sauce. Fresh ingredients provide a superior depth of flavor compared to their powdered counterparts.
Homemade sesame chicken is a delightful and satisfying dish that allows you to enjoy the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right in your own kitchen. With the right ingredients and a little practice, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends.
Remember to be patient and follow the steps carefully. The key to achieving crispy, tender chicken with a flavorful sauce lies in the details. Feel free to customize the dish to your preferences, whether by making it spicier or tailoring it to dietary restrictions.
So, the next time you’re craving the sweet and savory goodness of sesame chicken, skip the takeout menu and try making it at home. Not only will you gain a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll also have the opportunity to savor a homemade meal that’s cooked with love and care. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
