Yearning for something exotic yet simple to prepare? This quick and easy Sesame Chicken recipe is the perfect treat for your taste buds. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that combines the goodness of chicken and aromatic spices, taking your culinary indulgence to the next level. Whether you’re planning to treat your loved ones or simply want to enjoy a delightful meal, this Sesame Chicken recipe is a fantastic choice. For an extra kick, consider adding red chilies and spring onions. Serve it with rice and enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
Essentials (Serves 4)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- Salt (as required)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 400 grams boneless chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2/3 cup rice
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Sauce and Cook Rice:
Begin by making the sesame sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, brown sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and chicken stock. Set this mixture aside.
Cook the rice next, according to the instructions given on the package. For a complete meal, steam some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to serve on the side. Set the rice and vegetables aside once done.
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Step 2: Make the Cornstarch and Egg Batter:
In another small bowl, whisk an egg with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken pieces are fully coated after adding them to the batter. This batter will give the chicken a crispy texture once cooked.
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Step 3: Cook the Chicken Pieces:
In a large pan over a low flame, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces one by one. Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides, ensuring they are thoroughly cooked. It’s best to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.
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Step 4: Add Sesame Sauce and Finalize the Dish:
Once all the chicken pieces are cooked, pour the prepared sesame sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chicken in the sauce until the mixture thickens, coating the chicken evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the sauce is absorbed well.
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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat once the sauce has thickened to your liking. Serve the delicious sesame chicken over a bed of cooked rice, accompanied by your favorite steamed vegetables. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and chopped spring onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Chicken
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Selecting the Right Chicken:
Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and cook faster. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
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Achieving Crispy Chicken:
The key to crispy chicken is in the batter. Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated with the egg and cornstarch mixture. Cooking the chicken in batches and not overcrowding the pan helps in achieving a perfect golden brown crust.
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Perfecting the Sauce:
Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference by controlling the cooking time. If you like a richer sauce, keep it to cook for a bit longer. Decrease the cooking time to make the sauce thinner. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness as needed.
Serving Suggestions
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Complete Meal:
Sesame Chicken is best served with rice and steamed vegetables. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, providing a perfect base for the chicken. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the dish.
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Garnishing Options:
Garnish the Sesame Chicken with additional sesame seeds for extra nuttiness and visual appeal. Chopped spring onions or cilantro can add a fresh, herbaceous touch to the dish.
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Adding a Kick:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some red chili flakes or chopped red chilies to the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
Nutritional Information
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Caloric Content:
A serving of Sesame Chicken with rice typically contains around 450-500 calories. This dish provides a good balance of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and healthy fats from the sesame oil and seeds.
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Health Benefits:
While Sesame Chicken is a delightful indulgence, it also offers several health benefits:
Chicken: A lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
Sesame Seeds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Vegetables: Adding steamed vegetables boosts the dish’s fiber, vitamin, and mineral content.
Conclusion
Sesame Chicken is an exotic yet easy-to-make dish that will impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. With its crispy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful sesame sauce, served over a bed of rice with a side of steamed vegetables, it offers a complete and satisfying meal. Follow these steps and tips to create a perfect Sesame Chicken dish that will be a hit at any dinner table. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the culinary experience it brings!
