From Bland To Wow: How To Make The Perfect Sesame Chicken At Home

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of sesame chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen. This delectable dish is easier to make at home than you might think, and with our step-by-step guide, you’ll be savoring this restaurant-quality treat in no time.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Sesame Coating:

• 1 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic powder.

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Sesame Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the sesame seeds and cornstarch.

5. Coat the Chicken: Dip the fried chicken pieces into the sesame coating, pressing gently to adhere.

6. Cook the Sauce: In the same skillet, bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.

7. Combine the Chicken and Sauce: Add the sesame-coated chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

8. Serve: Garnish with green onions or chopped cilantro and serve over rice or noodles.

Enhance Your Sesame Chicken

• Add Vegetables: Sauté your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, along with the chicken.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Sweeten it: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
• Make it Crispy: Double-fry the chicken for extra crunch.

Culinary Tips

• Use fresh ginger and garlic: They add a burst of flavor to the dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: It should be cooked through but still tender.
• Toast the sesame seeds: This enhances their nutty flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer: This allows the flavors to meld and thicken.

The Perfect Pairing

• Rice: Serve your sesame chicken over steamed rice or brown rice.
• Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein are excellent choices for a noodle accompaniment.
• Vegetables: A side of stir-fried vegetables adds a healthy and colorful touch.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before marinating.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, make the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I store leftover sesame chicken?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can use beef, pork, or shrimp instead of chicken.

Q: Is sesame chicken healthy?
A: It can be made healthier by using lean meat, reducing the amount of oil, and adding more vegetables.