How to make Sesame Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
-
Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
Spread the cornstarch evenly over the bite-sized chicken pieces. This helps to create a crispy texture after frying.
-
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. This will help it fry properly. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it turns a nice golden color. -
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This sauce will give your chicken its sweet and savory flavor. -
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir until the chicken is well-coated.
Make sure each piece of chicken is covered with the sauce. This is where the flavors meld together. -
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking for a bit longer allows the sesame seeds to toast and the sauce to thicken slightly. -
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
This adds a nice color and fresh flavor to your dish.
Why You’ll Love This Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken recipe is a great balance of sweet and savory flavors. The crispy chicken coated in a delicious sauce will delight your taste buds. It’s perfect for a family meal or when you have guests over. Plus, it’s fairly simple to make, so even if you’re new to cooking, you can impress everyone with this dish!
Another reason to love this dish is that it allows for customization. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, or you can add more garlic for a stronger flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Sesame chicken is not just tasty; it has some nutritional benefits too. Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides important vitamins like B6 and B12.
The sesame seeds contain healthy fats, protein, and minerals, such as calcium and iron. Honey, while sweet, also has antioxidants. Just be mindful of the quantity used compared to the amount of sugar in processed foods.
What to Serve With Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are a few suggestions:
| Side Dish | Description |
|——————–|————————————————–|
| Steamed Rice | White or brown rice complements the dish well. |
| Fried Rice | A flavorful option that adds more texture. |
| Stir-Fried Vegetables | Colorful and crunchy veggies balance the meal. |
| Noodles | Lo mein or udon make a hearty pairing. |
You can mix and match based on your preferences and what you have at home!
How to Store Sesame Chicken
If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store sesame chicken. Here’s how:
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Place it in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It helps to create the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Fry the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Monitor the heat: If the heat is too high, the chicken can burn on the outside but remain raw on the inside. Keep it at medium-high for even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with variations of sesame chicken:
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Sesame Tofu: Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas into the mix for added nutrition and color.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure it is completely thawed before cooking for best results.
2. Is it healthy?
While it has some nutritious ingredients, sesame chicken can be high in sugar and sodium. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh for the best texture.
Making sesame chicken at home is an enjoyable experience that results in a delicious meal. With its simple steps and fun flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch For coating the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For frying.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey Adjust sweetness to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds For toasting.
For Garnish
- Green onions, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and fry the chicken until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir until the chicken is well-coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.