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
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:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 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.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- 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
- Coat the chicken in cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
- Sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Create a balanced sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce and finish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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.

Irresistible Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 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.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice.