Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is an authentic American Chinese dish. Its history can be traced back to the Chinese restaurants of the last century, where it was introduced along with its sister dish, Orange Chicken. Their creation was inspired by the combination of traditional Chinese cooking techniques and American local flavors. What sets sesame chicken apart is its crispy and fragrant sesame coating and tender, juicy chicken meat inside.
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Ingredients
  • 1 lb (453g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
  • 1/4 cup (54g) vegetable oil
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tsp (2g) ginger (minced)
  • 2 green onions (sliced into small pieces)
  • 1 tbsp (9g) sesame seeds
    • Marinade:
  • 1 1/2 tsp (8g) soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp (7.5g) Shaoxing rice wine (dry sherry)
  • 1/2 tsp (1g) white pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (40g) cornstarch
    • Sauce:
  • 1 tsp (5g) Chinese rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp (32g) soy sauce
  • 1 tsp (4g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp (13g) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (21g) honey
  • 1 tbsp (12g) brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp (21g) ketchup
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, white pepper powder and salt. Add the chicken cubes in the bowl. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Toss the chicken cubes in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is coated well.
  4. Toast the sesame seeds in a pan for approximately 1 minute or until they turn slightly brown. Then, transfer them into a small bowl.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet , set aside.
  6. After reserving some oil in the skillet , toss in the garlic, ginger, and green onions and stir-fry for 20 seconds.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour in the sauce and stir to coat the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for 1 or 2 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve hot over cooked rice.