Name: Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 5 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 whole eggs (lightly beaten); 3 tbsp cornflour ((cornstarch)); 10 tbsp plain flour ((all-purpose)); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp garlic salt; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional); 2 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 1 tbsp Chinese rice vinegar (white wine vinegar will work too); 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (use more or less depending on spiciness); 3 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 4 tbsp soy sauce; boiled rice; 2 tbsp sesame seeds; small bunch spring onions/scallions (chopped)

Introduction to Crispy Sesame Chicken

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game? Crispy Sesame Chicken is where flavorful delight meets satisfying crunch! This tantalizing dish is not just another meal; it's a culinary experience that brings the vibrant tastes of Asia right to your kitchen. Imagine biting into perfectly crispy chicken coated in a rich, sticky sauce that dances between sweet and savory notes!

Why Homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken is a Game Changer?

Making your own Crispy Sesame Chicken at home is a true game changer. Why? For starters, you can control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ever had a really salty takeout version that left you feeling less than satisfied? With this recipe, you can ensure a balanced flavor profile by choosing high-quality sauces and minimizing additives.

Moreover, it’s incredibly quick and easy! From prep to plate, you can whip up this meal in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. Plus, who doesn't love the comforting aroma of fried chicken wafting through their home?

Join me as we dive deeper into this delicious recipe, guaranteeing smiles and happy bellies all around! For a sneak peek at the incredible flavors that await, check out this article about the origins of sesame chicken.

Ingredients for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Creating the perfect Crispy Sesame Chicken is all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure your dish is both delicious and satisfying!

Essential Ingredients for the Chicken

Chicken Breast Fillets: Start with about 3 chicken breast fillets chopped into bite-sized pieces — this is your main protein and ensures each bite is juicy.
Eggs: You’ll need 2 lightly beaten eggs for that perfect coating.
Flour and Cornflour: Combine 10 tablespoon of plain flour with 3 tablespoon of cornflour (cornstarch) for a crunchy texture.
Seasoning: Sprinkling in ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic salt, along with 2 teaspoon of paprika, enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

Must-Have Ingredients for the Sauce

The sauce elevates your Crispy Sesame Chicken to a whole new level. Here are the key components:

Soy Sauce: 4 tablespoon of soy sauce serves as a savory base.
Sweeteners: Balance the umami with 2 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoon of brown sugar for that irresistible sweetness.
Acid: A splash of 1 tablespoon of Chinese rice vinegar brightens the dish.
Garlic and Sweet Chilli Sauce: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tablespoon of sweet chilli sauce for depth and a little heat.

By gathering these ingredients, you're on your way to a dish that tastes like your favorite takeout, only better! Happy cooking!

Preparing Crispy Sesame Chicken

Making the perfect Crispy Sesame Chicken at home is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly straightforward! Follow these steps to create a dish that's bound to impress your friends and family, making them wonder why they ever ordered takeout. Let's dive in!

Gather all your ingredients

Before you start cooking, it's essential to gather all your ingredients. You’ll need:

For the Chicken:
5 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
10 tablespoon plain (all-purpose) flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic salt
2 teaspoon paprika
3 chicken breast fillets, chopped into bite-size chunks
For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Chinese rice vinegar
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
3 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoon brown sugar
4 tablespoon soy sauce

Having everything within reach makes the cooking process seamless, and you can focus on making that perfect Crispy Sesame Chicken.

Prepping the chicken for that perfect crunch

To achieve that enticing crunch, you need to properly prepare the chicken. Set up three shallow bowls: one for the beaten eggs, another for the cornflour, and the last one to combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and paprika.

Dredge each chicken piece first in the cornflour, ensuring it's well-coated. Then dip it into the egg wash, followed by a thorough dredge in the seasoned flour. This three-step process forms a crispy coating that locks in moisture, ensuring your chicken remains juicy.

Making the sticky Asian sauce

The sauce is what elevates this dish to a crowd-pleaser! In a hot wok, combine the sesame oil, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly, resulting in a sticky, sweet, and savory concoction. For a delightful twist, you can adjust the sweetness and heat levels to your liking.

Cooking the chicken to crispy perfection

Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to fry your chicken! Heat the vegetable oil in the wok until it's sizzling hot. Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches (if needed) to ensure they fry evenly. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn them a couple of times for uniform browning. Once done, transfer the chicken to a bowl lined with kitchen towels to absorb excess oil – a trick for that extra crunch!

Tossing chicken in the sauce and serving

Once the chicken is beautifully crispy, return it to the wok and pour in that glistening sticky sauce. Toss everything together gently, allowing the chicken to be thoroughly coated and heated through for about 1-2 minutes.

Serve your Crispy Sesame Chicken over boiled rice, and don’t forget to sprinkle it with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for that finishing touch. Trust me; every bite will be a delightful balance of flavors that brings comfort and joy! Enjoy your meal and the compliments that follow!

Variations on Crispy Sesame Chicken

Spicy Version for Heat Lovers

If you love a kick in your meals, try adding some sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking your Crispy Sesame Chicken. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. For a richer flavor, consider using gochujang, a Korean chili paste, which not only adds heat but also imparts a delightful depth to the sauce.

Vegetarian Friendly Crispy Sesame Tofu

Looking for a meatless alternative? Replace chicken with tofu for a delicious veggie twist. Simply press and cube firm tofu, then follow the same coating process as for the chicken. Pan-fry until golden and serve it just like the Crispy Sesame Chicken version. Add your favorite vegetables for an even more vibrant dish. If you need ideas, check out this guide on how to cook tofu perfectly here.

These small adjustments keep this dish fresh and exciting, catering to varied palates without sacrificing the essence of this delightful recipe!

Cooking notes for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Tips for achieving the ideal crispiness

To ensure your Crispy Sesame Chicken turns out perfectly, follow a few easy tips. First, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken—this creates a great sear and keeps the chicken from absorbing too much oil. Dredging the chicken in cornflour followed by the seasoned flour helps create that sought-after crunch. Finally, avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain high heat.

What to do if you don’t have all the ingredients

Don't worry if you're missing some ingredients! Substitute chicken stock for the soy sauce or use a different type of vinegar if you're out of rice vinegar. If sesame oil isn’t available, you can leave it out and simply add extra sesame seeds at the end for nutty flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—feel free to get creative with what you have! For more kitchen hacks, check out this ingredient substitution guide.

Serving suggestions for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Perfect sides to complement the dish

Pair your Crispy Sesame Chicken with some delicious sides to elevate your meal. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is an excellent choice, soaking up that delightful sticky sauce. For a twist, consider serving it with garlic sautéed broccoli or a refreshing Asian cucumber salad. You could also add some wontons or spring rolls for that authentic restaurant feel at home.

Garnishing ideas to elevate your presentation

Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and visual appeal. Chopped spring onions bring freshness and a pop of color. For an extra zing, drizzle a little extra sesame oil on top just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but makes your dish look irresistible. Your Crispy Sesame Chicken will be a showstopper on any dinner table!

Time Breakdown for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Preparation Time

The prep for Crispy Sesame Chicken takes about 15 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, chopping the chicken, and getting everything ready for frying. It's a breeze!

Cooking Time

You’ll spend around 15 minutes cooking. That’s just enough time to get the chicken crispy and to whip up that delightful sticky sauce.

Total Time

In total, you're looking at 30 minutes from start to finish. This means you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in no time at all!

For more tips on perfecting your cooking, check out Cooking Light for some insightful methods and techniques.

Nutritional Facts for Crispy Sesame Chicken

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crispy Sesame Chicken contains approximately 542 calories, making it a satisfying yet indulgent option for dinner.

Important nutritional highlights

This scrumptious dish packs 26g of protein, an essential nutrient for muscle repair. It also provides a balance of 47g carbohydrates for energy and 28g fat, contributing to a rich flavor profile. With 22g sugars primarily from the sauce, it's a delightful treat for your taste buds without going too far off track for your dietary goals.

For more on the nutritional value of different chicken recipes, check out this chicken nutrition guide.

FAQs about Crispy Sesame Chicken

Is it healthier than takeaway versions?

Absolutely! This Crispy Sesame Chicken is made with fresh ingredients and allows you to control the amount of oil and sugar, making it a healthier alternative to traditional takeaway. Many takeaway options are deep-fried and loaded with sodium and preservatives, while this recipe keeps it cleaner and gives you a delectable sticky sauce without the guilt!

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, you can! The Crispy Sesame Chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Simply cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat. Just keep the rice separate until you're ready to serve, and it can last for up to four days.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan while frying the chicken, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy pieces. It’s best to fry in batches if needed. Also, don’t skip the dredging steps; each layer adds that essential crunch that elevates this dish. For more tips, consider checking out resources like Serious Eats for expert advice on frying techniques.

Conclusion on Crispy Sesame Chicken

In summary, Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience sure to elevate any meal. Quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavors, this recipe is a delightful way to enjoy dinner with family or friends. For more delicious ideas, explore Asian Cuisine or check out variations on your favorite takeout dishes.