Discover The Secret To Making Your Sesame Chicken Crispy Every Time!

Crispy sesame chicken is a beloved culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crispy textures. However, achieving the perfect crispiness can be a daunting task for home cooks. This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets of how to make sesame chicken crispy, ensuring that every bite delivers the satisfying crunch you crave.

Unlocking the Secrets of Crispiness

To achieve crispy sesame chicken, several crucial factors must be considered:

• Double Breading: The key to extra crispiness lies in double breading the chicken. The first layer of flour, salt, and pepper provides a base for the second layer, which consists of a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and spices. The double-breading method ensures that the chicken is thoroughly coated and creates a crispy barrier.

• Frying Temperature: The ideal frying temperature for crispy sesame chicken is between 350-375°F (175-190°C). When the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn before it becomes crispy. Using a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature is essential.

• Crowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the chicken. This will prevent the oil temperature from dropping, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

• Draining Thoroughly: Once the chicken is fried, drain it thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and will help maintain its crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Sesame Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Double Breading:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken: Combine the chicken pieces, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat.
2. Prepare the Double Breading: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Double Bread the Chicken: Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the double breading mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
7. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Transfer the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Use Cold Chicken: Cold chicken will result in crispier results. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before frying.
• Double Fry: For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice. After the first fry, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying it again for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
• Drain Thoroughly: Use paper towels to drain the chicken thoroughly after frying.

Beyond Crispy: Flavorful Variations

The crispy sesame chicken base can be customized to create a variety of flavorful variations:

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the double breading mixture.
• Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the sauce along with the other ingredients.
• Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Increase the amount of honey in the sauce to 1/2 cup and add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.

The Art of Dipping

Sesame chicken can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance its flavor:

• Sweet and Sour Sauce: A classic pairing that balances the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, flavorful sauce with a hint of sweetness and a slightly salty undertone.
• Sriracha Mayo: A spicy and creamy sauce that adds a kick to the sesame chicken.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Why is my sesame chicken not crispy?
A: Ensure you double-bread the chicken, use the correct frying temperature, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

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

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

Q: Can I freeze sesame chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze sesame chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What are some healthy alternatives to frying sesame chicken?
A: You can bake or air fry sesame chicken for a healthier alternative.