Sesame Chicken Vs Almond Chicken: Everything You Need To Know

Sesame chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory sauce. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil, then coated in cornstarch and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch.

Almond Chicken: A Sweet and Tangy Treat

Almond chicken is another popular Chinese-American dish that offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. It is then coated in a light batter and fried until crispy. The dish is topped with crunchy almonds, adding a nutty texture to each bite.

Sauce Showdown: Sesame vs Almond

The sauce is a defining characteristic of both sesame chicken and almond chicken. Sesame chicken sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and sugar. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a rich and nutty undertone from the sesame oil.

Almond chicken sauce, on the other hand, is made with honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of ginger. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of acidity from the rice vinegar. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy sauce.

Texture Contrast: Crispy vs Crunchy

Sesame chicken is known for its crispy exterior, achieved through the use of cornstarch and deep-frying. The cornstarch creates a thin, crispy layer that shatters in the mouth, revealing the tender and juicy chicken inside.

Almond chicken has a crunchy texture due to the light batter it is coated in. The batter fries up to a golden brown, creating a crunchy exterior that gives way to the tender chicken within. The crunchy almonds add an additional layer of texture to the dish.

Flavor Comparison: Savory vs Sweet and Tangy

Sesame chicken has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sesame oil and sugar. The soy sauce and rice wine add a depth of flavor, while the sesame oil imparts a nutty undertone.

Almond chicken has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of acidity from the rice vinegar. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy sauce, resulting in a balanced and flavorful dish.

Versatility: Side Dishes and Pairing

Sesame chicken is often served with steamed rice or noodles as a side dish. It can also be paired with a variety of vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.

Almond chicken is also commonly served with steamed rice or noodles. Additionally, it pairs well with dishes like lo mein or fried rice.

Summary: A Matter of Personal Preference

The choice between sesame chicken and almond chicken ultimately comes down to personal preference. Sesame chicken offers a crispy and savory experience, while almond chicken provides a sweet and tangy treat. Both dishes are delicious and have their own unique appeal.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which dish is healthier, sesame chicken or almond chicken?
A: Sesame chicken and almond chicken are both high in calories and fat due to the deep-frying process. However, almond chicken may be slightly healthier as it contains honey, which provides some natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.

Q: Can I make sesame chicken or almond chicken at home?
A: Yes, both dishes can be made at home with the right ingredients and cooking techniques. There are many recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions.

Q: What are some variations of sesame chicken and almond chicken?
A: There are many variations of both dishes. For example, sesame chicken can be made with different types of sauce, such as a spicy Szechuan sauce or a sweet and sour sauce. Almond chicken can be made with different nuts, such as cashews or walnuts, or with vegetables like bell peppers or onions.