Sesame chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, loved for its delicious combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, topped with toasted sesame seeds. While it’s a staple on many takeout menus, making it at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your preference. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate the mouthwatering flavors of sesame chicken in your own kitchen.
Ingredients: For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
To Garnish:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Place the cornstarch in another shallow bowl.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Gradually pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Once all the chicken is fried, pour the prepared sauce over it in the skillet or wok.
- Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion: Making sesame chicken at home is not only satisfying but also allows you to enjoy a healthier version of this popular takeout dish. With crispy chicken coated in a flavorful sauce made from scratch, every bite is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Impress your family and friends with this homemade sesame chicken recipe, and elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.
