Sesame Chicken Vs Mandarin Chicken: What Are The Key Factors To Consider?

In the realm of Chinese cuisine, two dishes stand out as favorites among diners: sesame chicken and mandarin chicken. Both dishes offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures, but they differ in their unique characteristics. This blog post will delve into the delectable world of sesame chicken vs. mandarin chicken, exploring their similarities, differences, and which one might be the perfect choice for your next culinary adventure.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is a classic dish that originated in the Sichuan province of China. It consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, then rolled in sesame seeds. The chicken is typically deep-fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil, creating a flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy.

What is Mandarin Chicken?

Mandarin chicken, also known as orange chicken, is another popular dish that originated in China. It features chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar. The chicken is typically batter-fried, giving it a slightly crispy exterior and a moist interior. The orange juice adds a vibrant citrus flavor to the sauce, while the soy sauce provides a salty balance.

Similarities between Sesame Chicken and Mandarin Chicken

Despite their differences, sesame chicken and mandarin chicken share some commonalities:

• Origin: Both dishes have their roots in Chinese cuisine.
• Main Ingredient: Both dishes feature chicken as the primary ingredient.
• Flavor Profile: Both dishes offer a sweet and savory flavor profile.

Differences between Sesame Chicken and Mandarin Chicken

While they have their similarities, sesame chicken and mandarin chicken also have distinct differences:

Sauce: Sesame chicken is coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Mandarin chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy sauce made with orange juice, soy sauce, and sugar.
Coating: Sesame chicken is coated in sesame seeds, while mandarin chicken is usually batter-fried.
Texture: Sesame chicken has a crispy exterior and a tender interior, while mandarin chicken has a slightly crispy exterior and a moist interior.
Flavor: Sesame chicken has a more savory flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the sesame seeds, while mandarin chicken has a more vibrant citrus flavor.

Which is Better: Sesame Chicken or Mandarin Chicken?

The choice between sesame chicken and mandarin chicken depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a savory dish with a crispy texture and a hint of nuttiness, sesame chicken is a great option. If you prefer a sweet and tangy dish with a slightly crispy texture and a vibrant citrus flavor, mandarin chicken is the better choice.

Variations of Sesame Chicken and Mandarin Chicken

Both sesame chicken and mandarin chicken have their own variations:

Variations of Sesame Chicken:

• Honey Sesame Chicken: Adds honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Adds chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• General Tso’s Chicken: A similar dish with a darker sauce and a spicier flavor.

Variations of Mandarin Chicken:

• Orange Peel Chicken: Adds orange peel to the sauce for a more intense citrus flavor.
• Pineapple Mandarin Chicken: Adds pineapple chunks to the dish for a tropical twist.
• Honey Orange Chicken: Adds honey to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.

How to Make Sesame Chicken and Mandarin Chicken at Home

Making sesame chicken and mandarin chicken at home is relatively easy. Here are some simple recipes:

Sesame Chicken Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Mandarin Chicken Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, cornstarch, soy sauce, orange juice, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve immediately.

Summary: Sesame Chicken vs. Mandarin Chicken – A Culinary Delight for All

Whether you prefer the savory crunch of sesame chicken or the sweet and tangy flavor of mandarin chicken, both dishes offer a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. The next time you’re craving Chinese food, consider giving either of these dishes a try. You might just find your new favorite dish!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which dish is healthier, sesame chicken or mandarin chicken?
A: Mandarin chicken is generally considered healthier than sesame chicken as it contains less calories and fat.

Q: Can I make sesame chicken and mandarin chicken gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make gluten-free versions of both dishes by using gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with sesame chicken or mandarin chicken?
A: Some good side dishes to serve with either dish include steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables.