Sesame chicken is a delicious, savory dish with crispy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds. It’s a popular dish in many Chinese-American restaurants and easy to make at home. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (60 g) cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (to garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and water together.
- Dip the chicken cubes into the egg mixture, then coat them with the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
2. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Once the sauce is thickened, add the fried chicken pieces back into the skillet and toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce cling to the chicken.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the chicken for garnish.
- Serve the sesame chicken hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips:
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce.
- Bake the Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the coated chicken in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and savory sesame chicken!