Introduction
There’s a cozy warmth that envelopes you when you walk into a home filled with the enticing aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove. It’s more than just food; it’s the comfort and love that we associate with meals shared with family and friends. One dish that always brings back memories of laughter around the dining table is sesame chicken. Each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the crispy batter to the luscious sauce. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet is so easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for any day or occasion. You can relish the crunch of the chicken alongside the sweetness of honey and the warmth of garlic—it’s truly uplifting. Try this flavourful sesame chicken recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to bring a little bit of restaurant magic into your kitchen.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
To create this delightful sesame chicken, you’ll need some essential tools that will ensure a smooth cooking experience. The right equipment not only makes the process easier but can also enhance the quality of your dish. Here are the must-haves:
- A large mixing bowl for preparing the batter
- A whisk for mixing and ensuring the batter is smooth
- A wok or deep frying pan for frying the chicken
- A thermometer to accurately gauge oil temperature
- A slotted spoon for removing the chicken from the hot oil
- Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient quantities
- A wire rack to cool the fried chicken
These tools will make your cooking journey enjoyable and efficient, helping you create that golden, crispy sesame chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation. Aside from how delicious it is, there are so many reasons why you will fall in love with this dish.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a delightful dance between sweetness and slight saltiness, with a subtle aroma of sesame oil. The honey glaze wraps around the chicken, creating a sticky harmony that makes your taste buds sing.
- Comforting Texture: The contrast of crispy chicken with a luscious sauce is deeply satisfying. When you take that first bite, you’ll enjoy the crunch followed by a tender inside—it’s simply comfort on a plate.
- Convenience at Its Best: This sesame chicken is not only easy to make but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip it up in under an hour, meaning warm, homey dinners are just a recipe away.
- Versatile Fun: Whether you’re serving it over white rice or tossing it into wraps for a delightful lunch, this dish is both practical and allows for creativity in serving it.
The cozy, creamy, comforting aspects of sesame chicken invite you to savor each moment and every mouthful. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of the warmth that home cooking brings.
Sesame Chicken Ingredients
For this wonderful sesame chicken, you will need:
- 450 g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey, to taste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar, to taste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 clove garlic, grated
These ingredients work together to build a spectrum of flavors that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Don’t forget to gather your pantry staples like salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter to make your cooking experience complete.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by taking a large mixing bowl, where you’ll want to combine the cornstarch, flour, egg white, soy sauce, water, and white pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. It needs to be well combined for a nice coating on the chicken.
- Next, add your bite-sized pieces of chicken into the batter. Make sure that each piece is evenly coated, as this ensures that every part will be crispy when cooked.
- In a wok or a deep frying pan, heat oil to about 330-340°F. This is the perfect temperature for frying your chicken. Once it is hot enough, gently drop the coated chicken pieces into the oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- For an extra-crispy texture, you can double fry the chicken. Just increase the oil temperature to around 375°F and fry for an additional 30-60 seconds. Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to cool.
- Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and grated garlic. This will be the luscious sauce that brings everything together.
- Pour the sauce mixture into a pan over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, giving it time to slightly thicken and develop flavor.
- Now, bring back your fried chicken and add it to the sauce, along with 1.5 tbsp of sesame oil and the sesame seeds. Toss everything gently to ensure the chicken is well coated in that lovely sauce.
- For a finishing touch, garnish with the chopped green onions and serve your sesame chicken warm alongside rice and crispy vegetables.
Fun Variations You Can Try
This sesame chicken is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to mix things up and personalize it to your taste or dietary preferences:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate colorful bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas when frying the chicken for a delightful crunch and a boost of nutrients.
- Spice it Up: Want some heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it Healthier: Swap out the cornstarch for a whole grain flour or simply bake the chicken for a lighter version.
- Different Proteins: Try this recipe using shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a unique twist that accommodates different dietary needs.
- Flavor Twists: Experiment with different sauces—try swapping out honey for maple syrup for an interesting flavor shift or use different types of vinegar for a twist.
Each variation allows you to create something special and unique, making this recipe a true canvas for your culinary creativity.
How I Love to Serve It
When it comes to serving sesame chicken, presentation can elevate the experience. I usually love to plate it over a mound of fluffy white rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. The contrasting colors of the golden chicken and vibrant green onions bring the plate to life.
Pair it with sautéed greens or crispy vegetables that provide a nice textural contrast. The aroma wafting from the dish fills the room, making everyone feel right at home.
Create a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and a warm table setting, perhaps adding some chopsticks for a fun touch. It’s a great way to engage with family, turning dinner into a comforting mealtime experience full of laughter and connection.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Making delicious sesame chicken is rewarding, and a few handy tips can make your cooking journey smoother:
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the right temperature. Too low may result in soggy chicken, and too high can burn it.
- Double Coating: For extra crunch, you can double coat the chicken. Dip the pieces back into the flour-cornstarch mixture before frying for an even thicker crust.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re making enough for a crowd, consider frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover sesame chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken. If it’s too sweet, balance it with a bit more soy sauce or a splash of vinegar.
Cooking can be a labor of love, and these tips are designed to encourage you as you whip up this comforting dish.
Important Cooking Reminders
- Always monitor your oil temperature to avoid burning chicken.
- Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to stay crispy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- When reheating, do so in the oven or a skillet for best texture; microwaving may make it soggy.
- Common mistakes to avoid include overcrowding the pan while frying, which leads to uneven cooking.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
When indulging in sesame chicken, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content:
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 25g
Remember, these values can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. Enjoying this sesame chicken truly embodies the joy of home-cooked comfort food.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Common Questions You Might Have
What type of oil is best for frying?
For frying sesame chicken, I recommend using vegetable oil or peanut oil. Both have high smoke points and will give you that perfect golden color.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the soy sauce with tamari, and use a gluten-free cornstarch for the coating. This will keep the essence of the dish while accommodating dietary preferences.
Is sesame chicken really that hard to make?
Not at all! This recipe is quite beginner-friendly, and once you master it, you’ll find it easy to replicate. Each step is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for home cooks of any level.
Conclusion
As you savor your sesame chicken, take a moment to reflect on the flavors, the aromas, and the warmth that fills your home. Cooking is a journey, wrapped in memories and moments shared with loved ones. Each bite connects you to those you cherish and brings comfort on even the busiest of days. I hope you find joy in preparing this dish as much as I do. There’s a certain magic in homemade meals— the love and effort transform simple ingredients into something profoundly comforting. So gather your loved ones around the table, dish out generous servings of this delightful sesame chicken, and enjoy the smiles that come with each bite. This sesame chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to be created in your kitchen.
Print
Sesame Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and crispy sesame chicken dish, perfectly balanced with sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 450 g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 egg white
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp honey, to taste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp brown sugar, to taste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, egg white, soy sauce, water, and white pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the chicken pieces to the batter, ensuring each piece is coated.
- In a wok or deep frying pan, heat oil to 330-340°F. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
- For extra crunch, double fry by increasing the oil temperature to 375°F and frying for an additional 30-60 seconds. Transfer to a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, shaoxing wine, and grated garlic to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into a pan over medium heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the fried chicken to the sauce, along with sesame oil and sesame seeds. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm with rice and vegetables.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables or spice to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: sesame chicken, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, Asian cuisine