Sesame Chicken
Battered and fried chicken with sesame seeds in a sweet glaze.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Sesame chicken is a dish that exemplifies the evolution of Chinese cuisine within the United States. It emerged as part of the broader trend of adapting Cantonese cooking techniques and flavors to American tastes, often incorporating sweeter sauces and deep-frying methods that were less common in traditional Chinese cuisine. The dish reflects the demand for accessible and appealing Chinese food by American consumers in the 20th century.
Sesame chicken is deeply ingrained in Chinese-American restaurant culture and takeout menus. It's a familiar and beloved dish, often considered a gateway to exploring Chinese-American cuisine.
Takeout Staple
Sesame chicken is a consistently popular choice for takeout orders, frequently included in lunch specials and dinner combinations at Chinese-American restaurants.
Americanized Taste
The dish's sweetness and emphasis on crispy textures cater to the American palate, making it a popular and accessible option for those less familiar with traditional Chinese cuisine.
Family Favorite
Sesame chicken is a generally kid-friendly dish due to its sweetness and lack of intense spices, making it a reliable choice for family meals.
Sesame chicken is characterized by its harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. The dish balances the crispy texture of the chicken with a rich, glossy sauce that provides the dominant flavor profile.
The primary flavors come from the sweet and slightly tangy sauce, typically composed of soy sauce, sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and often cornstarch for thickening. Garlic, ginger, and sometimes hoisin sauce contribute savory and umami notes. The sesame seeds themselves provide a nutty aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall experience. The chicken's crispy coating, achieved through deep-frying, contrasts with the sauce's smoothness and adds another layer of texture.
Crispy Chicken Coating
Use a combination of cornstarch and flour for the chicken coating to achieve a light and crispy texture. Ensure the oil is hot enough for deep-frying to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust the cornstarch in the sauce to achieve the desired thickness. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the chicken without being too runny or gloopy.
Toasted Sesame Seeds
Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish enhances their nutty flavor and aroma. Toast them lightly in a dry pan until golden brown.
Freshness Matters
Use fresh ingredients for the sauce, such as ginger and garlic, for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-ground spices when possible.
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