IRRESISTIBLE SESAME CHICKEN EASY RECIPE

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Author: Rachil
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Delectable Sesame Chicken dish with crispy breading and savory sauce, featured in the article.
The ultimate guide to making Sesame Chicken is a culinary adventure that I’m thrilled to share with you. As a food scientist and myth buster, I’ve dedicated countless hours to perfecting this classic dish, and I’m excited to reveal the secrets behind its irresistible flavor.

The Science of Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken is a delightful fusion of East and West, blending the rich, nutty essence of sesame with the tangy, sweet notes of a Chinese-inspired sauce. But what makes this dish so special? The key lies in the interplay of several key principles that I’ve uncovered through my research.

The Recipe: Irresistible Sesame Chicken

Delectable plate of Sesame Chicken, a savory Asian dish with tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy sesame-infused sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the coated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

The Investigation: Perfecting Sesame Chicken

My first few attempts at making Sesame Chicken were a disaster. The chicken was either too dry and rubbery or the sauce was a runny, flavorless mess. I knew there had to be a better way, so I dove headfirst into the science behind this beloved dish.

Cracking the Code: The Cornstarch Conundrum

One of the biggest breakthroughs came when I realized the importance of properly coating the chicken in cornstarch. This seemingly simple step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cornstarch acts as a barrier, locking in the juices and creating a delightfully crunchy texture.

Balancing the Flavors: The Alchemy of the Sauce

Then, I had an ‘Aha!’ moment when it came to the sauce. Like many of you, I initially thought that more soy sauce and sugar would lead to a better flavor. But through my experiments, I discovered that the key lies in striking the perfect balance between the savory, sweet, and tangy elements. The rice vinegar and just the right amount of brown sugar are the unsung heroes that bring the whole dish into harmony.

The Finishing Touches: Sesame Serendipity

Finally, I realized that the toasted sesame seeds weren’t just a garnish – they were an essential component that elevated the dish to new heights. The nutty, aromatic sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also contribute a depth of flavor that ties the entire recipe together.

The Foolproof Method: Sesame Chicken Mastery

  1. Coat the chicken in cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
  2. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Create a balanced sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
  4. Toss the chicken in the sauce and finish with toasted sesame seeds.
  5. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete and delicious meal.
With this foolproof method, you’ll be able to create Sesame Chicken that is irresistibly crispy, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress your family and friends. Embrace your inner culinary investigator and embark on your own Sesame Chicken adventure!

What is the key to achieving the signature crispy, golden-brown exterior of the sesame chicken?

The key to achieving the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the sesame chicken is properly coating the chicken in cornstarch. The cornstarch acts as a barrier, locking in the juices and creating a delightfully crunchy texture.

What are the unsung heroes that bring the whole sesame chicken dish into harmony?

The rice vinegar and just the right amount of brown sugar are the unsung heroes that bring the whole sesame chicken dish into harmony, as they help strike the perfect balance between the savory, sweet, and tangy elements of the sauce.

What role do the toasted sesame seeds play in the sesame chicken recipe?

The toasted sesame seeds are not just a garnish, but an essential component that elevates the dish to new heights. The nutty, aromatic sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also contribute a depth of flavor that ties the entire recipe together.

What are the key steps to mastering the foolproof method for making sesame chicken?

The key steps to mastering the foolproof method for making sesame chicken are: 1) Coat the chicken in cornstarch for a crispy exterior, 2) Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 3) Create a balanced sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, 4) Toss the chicken in the sauce and finish with toasted sesame seeds, and 5) Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Delectable Sesame Chicken dish with crispy breading and savory sauce, featured in the article.

Irresistible Sesame Chicken

This recipe for Irresistible Sesame Chicken combines the rich, nutty essence of sesame with the tangy, sweet notes of a Chinese-inspired sauce, resulting in a delightful fusion of East and West. The key to this dish’s success lies in the perfect balance of flavors and the crispy, golden-brown exterior of the chicken.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large skillet or wok
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the coated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

For best results, be sure to properly coat the chicken in cornstarch to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Additionally, the balance of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in the sauce is crucial for creating the perfect flavor profile. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful nutty aroma and texture to the dish.

Rachil


I’m Rachil! I started YumHomeRecipes.com to share quick and budget-friendly recipes for busy families—along with helpful meal prep tips to make home cooking fun and stress-free.

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