Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. It is a dish that is both savory and sweet, with crispy pieces of chicken coated in a sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil. The dish is typically served with steamed rice, and it is a favorite among Chinese food enthusiasts.
At its core, sesame chicken is a dish that is all about the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the sauce complements the savoriness of the chicken, while the sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sesame chicken is, how it’s made, and some variations of the dish that you may want to try.
The Origins of Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a dish that has its origins in Chinese-American cuisine. It is believed to have been created in the 1970s by Chinese immigrants living in the United States who were looking to create a new dish that would appeal to American tastes. Over time, sesame chicken became a staple of Chinese-American restaurants across the country, and it has since become one of the most popular dishes in this style of cuisine.Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
To make sesame chicken, you will need the following ingredients:- Chicken breast
- Cornstarch
- Egg
- Salt
- Pepper
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
How to Make Sesame Chicken
- To make sesame chicken, start by cutting the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix together cornstarch, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken pieces in the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and a tablespoon of water. Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture, then set them aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat up some oil until it’s hot. Add the chicken pieces and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
- In the same wok or skillet, add some minced garlic and ginger and fry until fragrant. Then, add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil to the pan, and stir until everything is well combined. Add the chicken back to the pan and toss until the chicken pieces are fully coated in the sauce.
- To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top of the dish.
Variations of Sesame Chicken
While the classic version of sesame chicken is a favorite among many, there are several variations of the dish that you may want to try. Some popular variations include:- Spicy sesame chicken: Add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
- Honey sesame chicken: Add honey to the sauce to give it a sweeter flavor.
- Orange sesame chicken: Add orange juice and zest to the sauce to give it a citrusy twist.
