Mastering the art of sesame chicken at home: a detailed how-to guide

Sesame chicken, a beloved Chinese-American dish, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory sauce. While it may seem daunting to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, this comprehensive guide will empower you to master the art of making delectable sesame chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Coating:

• 1 cup sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

4. Coat the Chicken

1. Return the fried chicken to the skillet or wok.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
3. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to incorporate.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the sesame chicken immediately over rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with green onions or cilantro for additional flavor.

Tips

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken by dredging it in the cornstarch mixture twice.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar.
• For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes to taste.
• Serve the sesame chicken with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
• Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest to the sauce.

Ending on a Sweet Note

Making sesame chicken at home is a culinary adventure that will reward you with a delicious and satisfying meal. By following these simple steps, you can impress your family and friends with this beloved dish. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your kitchen, and let the symphony of flavors dance on your palate.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use different types of meat for sesame chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives.

2. How do I make gluten-free sesame chicken?

Use gluten-free cornstarch and flour in the coating mixture.

3. Can I make sesame chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can fry the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and toss it in the sauce.

4. How do I store leftover sesame chicken?

Store the leftover sesame chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I use store-bought sesame chicken sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought sesame chicken sauce if you’re short on time.