Sesame Chicken

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sesame Chicken, a popular dish with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes. This recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic Asian-inspired dish at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Sesame Chicken at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. It’s a great option for a delicious weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your meal rotation.

How to Make Sesame Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 pound cooked popcorn chicken
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 scallions (thinly sliced, white part and green part separated)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons chili paste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

1. If using frozen popcorn chicken, cook according to the package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and rice wine vinegar until sugar is melted.
3. Add soy sauce and sesame oil to the mixture.
4. Combine water and cornstarch in a separate bowl and set aside.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the white part of scallions, garlic, and chili paste, stir fry until fragrant.
7. Pour in the sauce mixture, let it bubble, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
8. Add the cooked chicken and toss to coat.
9. Garnish with green scallions and sesame seeds before serving.

How to Serve Sesame Chicken

Serve this flavorful Sesame Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Store Sesame Chicken

Store any leftover Sesame Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Tips to Make Sesame Chicken

• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili paste to suit your preference.
• For a healthier version, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
• Double the sauce recipe if you prefer a saucier dish.

Variation

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the popcorn chicken with tofu cubes or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the tofu is cooked through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium soy sauce? Yes, but adjust the amount of soy sauce to taste to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
2. Is rice wine vinegar necessary for this recipe? Rice wine vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tanginess to the dish, but you can substitute with apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
3. Can I make Sesame Chicken ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and quickly stir-fry them when ready to eat.