The Great Taste-off: General Tso Chicken vs Sesame Chicken

In the realm of Chinese-American cuisine, two titans reign supreme: General Tso chicken and sesame chicken. Both dishes tantalize taste buds with their unique flavors and textures, but which one reigns supreme? This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two culinary masterpieces, exploring their similarities, differences, and ultimately declaring a victor in this flavorful face-off.

Origins and History

General Tso Chicken

General Tso chicken traces its roots to the Hunan province of China. It is believed to have been created in the 1950s by chef Peng Chang-kuei, who named it after the renowned Qing dynasty general Zuo Zongtang.

Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken’s origins are less certain. It is speculated to have originated in Sichuan or Guangdong provinces, but no definitive evidence exists. It gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century.

Ingredients and Preparation

General Tso Chicken

• Chicken breast, cut into chunks
• Marinate: soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic
• Batter: cornstarch, flour, egg
• Sauce: soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, hot sauce

Sesame Chicken

• Chicken breast, cut into chunks
• Marinate: soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil
• Batter: cornstarch, flour, egg
• Sauce: soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, honey, garlic

Flavor Profiles

General Tso Chicken

• Sweet and spicy
• Tangy notes from vinegar
• Slight heat from hot sauce

Sesame Chicken

• Sweet and savory
• Nutty flavor from sesame seeds
• Mildly sweet with honey

Textures

General Tso Chicken

• Crispy exterior
• Tender and juicy interior
• Slightly chewy from the batter

Sesame Chicken

• Crispy exterior
• Tender and moist interior
• Slightly sticky from the honey

Presentation

General Tso Chicken

• Usually served with green onions and sesame seeds
• May be garnished with red pepper flakes
• Typically accompanied by fried rice or noodles

Sesame Chicken

• Often served with broccoli or carrots
• May be garnished with sesame seeds
• Typically accompanied by white rice or noodles

Popularity and Availability

Both General Tso chicken and sesame chicken are widely popular dishes in Chinese-American restaurants. However, General Tso chicken tends to be more prevalent on menus and is considered the more iconic dish.

Which One to Choose?

The choice between General Tso chicken and sesame chicken ultimately depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a sweet and spicy dish with a tangy kick, General Tso chicken is the way to go. If you prefer a milder, nutty, and slightly sticky flavor, sesame chicken is your ideal choice.

Beyond the Showdown: Other Considerations

Health Considerations

• General Tso chicken is typically higher in calories and sodium than sesame chicken.
• Sesame chicken is a better choice for those with a preference for milder dishes.

Dietary Restrictions

• Both dishes can be adjusted to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• General Tso chicken can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and flour.
• Sesame chicken can be made vegan by using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.

Cooking at Home

• Both dishes can be easily prepared at home with simple ingredients.
• General Tso chicken requires a bit more effort due to the marinating and double-frying process.
• Sesame chicken is relatively easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which dish is sweeter?
A: Sesame chicken is typically sweeter due to the addition of honey.

Q: Which dish is spicier?
A: General Tso chicken is spicier due to the use of hot sauce.

Q: Can either dish be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, General Tso chicken and sesame chicken can both be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and flour.