Hello and welcome to today’s delicious blog post! Today we’re sharing 10 incredible sesame chicken recipes that are sure to make your mouth water. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and tangy flavors, or you crave spicy dishes, there’s something on this list for everyone to enjoy. These recipes are perfect for a weekend feast with family and friends, or a cozy night in with your loved ones.
Brimming with exotic flavors and aromas, these sesame chicken dishes are easy to prepare, and they taste divine. From the classic sesame chicken with a twist to sticky sesame wings, these recipes will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure that you’ll never forget. So why not ditch the takeout and try making your own sesame chicken at home? Not only will it be healthier, but it’ll also be more flavorful and satisfying. Get ready to master these mouth-watering recipes like a pro and take your cooking skills to the next level!
Introduction to Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that has become a favorite in households across the globe. The dish is known for its crispy texture, savory taste, and unique blend of flavors that make it a perfect meal for any occasion. In this article, we’ll give you an introduction to sesame chicken, including its origins, variations, and how to make it at home.
Origins and Variations
The origins of sesame chicken can be traced back to the Hunan Province in China where it was traditionally served as a savory chicken dish. However, it was not until the early 1900s that the dish was introduced to the United States. Since then, sesame chicken has become one of the most popular Chinese dishes in America.
There are many variations of sesame chicken, but the most famous one is the American-style sesame chicken. This version of the dish typically includes battered and fried chicken pieces that are mixed with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Sesame seeds are then sprinkled over the top for added flavor.
Other popular variations of sesame chicken include adding vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas, as well as using different types of protein like shrimp or tofu.
Ingredients and Tools
To make the perfect sesame chicken, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Tools: Deep fryer or large pot, mixing bowl, whisk, tongs
It’s important to note that you can also use a wok or skillet to fry the chicken if you don’t have a deep fryer.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to start cooking. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind when making sesame chicken:
- Marinate the chicken: Before battering and frying the chicken, marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour to add extra flavor.
- Use cornstarch: Coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and eggs to ensure a crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can cause the chicken to cook unevenly.
- Drain the chicken: Place the cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep the chicken crispy.
- Toast the sesame seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for a few minutes before adding them to the sauce will bring out their nutty flavor.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re ready to make delicious sesame chicken that will rival your favorite takeout restaurant. Serve the chicken over rice with vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Sesame Chicken Recipe
Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that is loved for its juicy chicken bites, crispy coating, and sweet and savory sesame sauce. The dish is easy to make and can be served as a main course with rice or noodles. Here is a recipe that you can follow for a delicious sesame chicken meal.
Preparation
To prepare sesame chicken, you will need boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Marinating the chicken before cooking it is essential to infuse it with flavor. The marinade consists of soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and minced garlic. In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients together until well combined, and add the chicken pieces. Mix well to ensure that all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
Once the chicken is marinated, it is time to cook it. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can use a deep fryer if you prefer deep-fried chicken, but a skillet works as well. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and dredge it in cornstarch until well coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch, and fry the chicken in the hot oil until it is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
To make the sesame sauce, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and minced garlic in a bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and set it aside. In a clean skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast them until lightly browned. Then, add the sesame sauce and stir until it thickens. Add the fried chicken into the skillet with the sesame sauce, and toss until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Serving and Pairings
To serve the sesame chicken, transfer it onto a serving platter, and garnish it with chopped green onions and additional toasted sesame seeds. Sesame chicken pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, like bok choy or broccoli. As for drinks, Chinese green tea, beer, or a dry Riesling wine will go perfectly with this dish.
In conclusion, this sesame chicken recipe is relatively easy to make and is perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering. The dish offers crispy, juicy, and flavorful bites that everyone will enjoy. Serve it with your preferred sides and drinks, and you will have a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Thanks for Reading and See You Later!
We hope that reading our article on 10 mouth-watering sesame chicken recipes has left you feeling inspired to try out some new dishes in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner cook, these recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.
Don’t forget to save this article or bookmark our website for future reference. We regularly update our recipe section with new and exciting dishes, so be sure to come back and visit us again soon. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy trying out these delicious sesame chicken recipes and impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills. Bon appétit!
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs in these recipes instead of chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs take longer to cook than breasts.
2. Can I use a gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour in these recipes. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
3. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these recipes ahead of time and reheat them when ready to eat. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Can I substitute sesame oil with another oil?
No, sesame oil has a distinct nutty flavor that is essential to these recipes. We do not recommend substituting it with another oil.
5. Can I freeze these recipes?
Yes, you can freeze these recipes for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
6. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar in these recipes, such as rice vinegar or red wine vinegar. Just keep in mind that the taste may be slightly different.
7. Can I omit the honey for a lower sugar option?
Yes, you can omit the honey for a lower sugar option. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
8. Can I use chicken wings instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken wings in these recipes instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as wings take less time to cook.
9. Can I use a different type of nut instead of sesame seeds?
Yes, you can use a different type of nut instead of sesame seeds, such as chopped peanuts or cashews. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
10. Can I use a different type of sweetener?
Yes, you can use a different type of sweetener in these recipes, such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.