Crispy sesame chicken
User Reviews
4.6
Crispy sesame chicken
Description
Crispy sesame chicken is prepared by first combining cubed chicken breast with beaten egg and soy sauce to help tenderize and flavor the meat. The chicken is then coated thoroughly in a dry mixture of flour and cornstarch, which contributes to its crispy texture once fried in hot oil. Meanwhile, the sauce is cooked by sautéing crushed garlic in oil, followed by simmering a blend of soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. A cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a glossy finish. After frying, the chicken pieces are tossed in the sauce to evenly coat each crisp morsel.
The final dish delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite, offset by the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce with hints of sesame and garlic. The sesame seeds add a toastier texture and nutty aroma to the overall flavor. This recipe suits those wanting a textured fried chicken enhanced with a flavorful sauce that clings well and adds moisture.
For best results, cook the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature for maximum crispness. Serve it freshly cooked to retain the crunch, and consider pairing it with steamed rice or simple stir-fried vegetables to complement the sauce.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 500 g (1lb) chicken breast cubed into bite-size pieces
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cornstarch or cornflour
- neutral cooking oil for frying, generic cooking oil
For the sauce
- 1 tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil
- 3 garlic crushed, cloves
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar You could add up to one third cup sugar if you prefer the sauce to be sweeter.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water, or cornflour
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a bowl then add the egg and soy sauce. Massage the egg and soy into the chicken well then allow to sit for a few minutes while you make the sauce.
- To make the sauce, heat the oil in a large pan then cook for garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce, water, sugar, vinegar and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer then pour in the cornstarch slurry. Reduce the heat then simmer until the sauce is thick and glossy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Heat enough oil to fry the chicken in a deep pan or pot. Place a wire rack over a sheetpan.
- Combine the flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl then coat the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is completely covered.
- Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid over-crowding the pan, until the chicken is golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on the wire rack while you cook the remaining chicken.
- Place the pan with the sauce back on the heat and bring to a simmer. Add the fried chicken and sesame seeds to the pan then toss to coat the chicken in the sauce. Season to taste with more soy, vinegar or sesame oil as necessary then serve over rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 484 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 484kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | 19% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 121mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 1751mg | 73% |
| Potassium | 615mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 97IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 75mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.