Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein. Removing the skin reduces fat content, making it a healthier choice. Cutting into smaller pieces helps in quicker and more even cooking.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Cornstarch is used for coating the chicken. It provides a crispy texture when fried, creating a delightful contrast to the tender chicken inside.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Beating the eggs helps in creating a uniform coating on the chicken. It acts as a binding agent, allowing the cornstarch to stick properly to the chicken pieces.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying at higher temperatures. This results in crispy, golden-brown chicken pieces.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the dish. It’s a staple in Chinese cuisine and acts as the base for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. It helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup honey: Honey brings sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory and tangy flavors in the sauce. It also aids in caramelization when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Brown sugar further enhances the sweetness of the dish and adds depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic provides a pungent, aromatic flavor that elevates the taste of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Ginger adds a fresh, slightly spicy note to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Sesame oil imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. It’s a signature ingredient in Asian cuisine and adds depth to the overall taste.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening): This mixture acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly without being too runny.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are for garnish and provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. They also add visual appeal to the finished dish.
- Green onions for garnish: Green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish. They offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
Precautions:
- Frying Safety: When frying, be cautious with hot oil to prevent splattering and burns. Use a deep pan or wok to contain the oil while frying the chicken.
- Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of potential allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have. For instance, individuals allergic to sesame might need an alternative garnish.
Using these ingredients thoughtfully and in the right proportions will bring out the best in your American Chinese Sesame Chicken, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish truly unforgettable.
Preparation:
- Prep the Chicken:
- Reason: Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates a crispy exterior when fried, providing a textural contrast to the tender meat inside. Dipping the coated chicken in beaten eggs ensures the cornstarch adheres well.
- Benefits: This process creates a protective coating that retains the chicken’s moisture while frying. The double coating with cornstarch and egg results in a crispier texture.
- Precaution: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated to guarantee consistent frying and texture.
- Frying the Chicken:
- Reason: Frying the chicken in hot oil ensures a golden-brown, crispy exterior while fully cooking the meat.
- Benefits: Frying seals in the juices and creates a crunchy texture that pairs well with the saucy coating.
- Precaution: Use caution with hot oil to prevent splatters or burns. Drain excess oil on a paper towel to avoid a greasy finish.
- Creating the Sauce:
- Reason: Combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a savory, sweet, and tangy base for the dish.
- Benefits: Simmering the sauce melds the flavors and allows them to infuse, creating a harmonious taste profile. Thickening with cornstarch ensures the sauce coats the chicken evenly.
- Precaution: Stir the sauce consistently to prevent clumping when adding the cornstarch mixture.
- Bringing it Together:
- Reason: Tossing the fried chicken in the sauce ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Benefits: Coating the chicken evenly with the sauce ensures every bite is flavorful. Sprinkling sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
- Precaution: Gently coat the fried chicken to avoid breaking the crispy exterior.
- Final Touch:
- Reason: Garnishing with fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a refreshing taste.
- Benefits: Green onions offer a mild onion flavor and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
- Precaution: Chop the green onions right before garnishing to maintain their freshness and color.
If you think you really can’t make it, then I recommend you to go to the following restaurants. Please start your sesame chicken tasting journey.
Golden Dragon, New York City, NY
Located in the beating heart of the city, Golden Dragon stands as a sanctuary for those seeking an exceptional culinary adventure in the realm of American Chinese cuisine. Their Sesame Chicken dish is a masterful symphony, harmonizing crispy textures with a sumptuous, indulgent sauce that dances on the taste buds. The sauce, a perfect amalgamation of sweetness and tanginess, beautifully complements flawlessly fried chicken, leaving a delightful, lingering flavor that’s hard to forget.
Price: Golden Dragon offers a mid-range pricing, making it accessible for both locals and tourists exploring the vibrant food scene of New York City. The Sesame Chicken dish is reasonably priced, ensuring a delightful culinary experience without breaking the bank.
Taste: What truly sets their Sesame Chicken apart is the finesse in balancing flavors. The sauce boasts a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, embracing the crispy chicken in a delightful, flavorful embrace. It’s a dish that caters to those seeking a perfect balance of taste and texture.
Suitable for: The restaurant is perfect for anyone looking for an authentic American Chinese dining experience. Whether you’re a solo explorer, a couple seeking a delightful meal, or a family looking to relish exquisite flavors, Golden Dragon caters to a wide range of diners.
Nearby Transportation: Situated in the bustling metropolis, Golden Dragon is conveniently accessible by various modes of transportation. It’s close to subway stations and bus stops, making it a convenient dining destination for both locals and visitors exploring the city.
Food Review: The restaurant not only excels in its Sesame Chicken but also showcases a range of other Chinese delicacies. From their flavorful stir-fries to the aromatic soups, Golden Dragon has consistently earned praise for its dedication to authentic tastes and quality ingredients.
Golden Dragon stands as a beacon in the diverse culinary landscape of New York City, offering a memorable experience to all who walk through its doors. Their Sesame Chicken dish, a true testament to culinary craftsmanship, leaves a lasting impression and beckons diners to return for more.
This restaurant is an embodiment of the fusion of cultures and flavors, inviting you to savor the essence of American Chinese cuisine in the heart of the bustling cityscape of New York.
Dragon Palace, San Francisco, CA
Dragon Palace, nestled in the heart of San Francisco, boasts an exceptional culinary experience with its celebrated Sesame Chicken, a pinnacle of authentic Chinese-American cuisine. Their rendition of this classic dish features a delectable sauce, striking an impeccable balance between sweetness and savory notes. The chicken, perfectly coated and expertly fried, offers a delightful crunch that harmonizes exquisitely with the flavorful sauce.
Taste and Quality:
The Sesame Chicken at Dragon Palace embodies the essence of authentic Chinese-American flavors. The sauce is rich, offering a delightful interplay of sweet and savory elements, while the chicken itself is cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The dish maintains a consistent standard of high quality, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Price and Portions:
The pricing at Dragon Palace is quite reasonable, considering the quality and portion sizes. A serving of their Sesame Chicken typically ranges from $12 to $15, providing a generous portion that satisfies both your palate and appetite.
Suitability:
Ideal for families, friends, and individuals seeking an authentic and satisfying Chinese-American dining experience, Dragon Palace caters to a diverse range of customers. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it suitable for casual outings, family dinners, or even solo dining.
Accessibility and Nearby Transport:
Conveniently located in San Francisco, Dragon Palace is easily accessible via public transport, with bus stops and a nearby subway station within walking distance. Additionally, for those driving, there are parking facilities nearby, although it might get crowded during peak hours.
Overall Food Review:
Dragon Palace’s Sesame Chicken is a standout dish that encapsulates the essence of traditional Chinese-American cuisine. The perfect fusion of flavors and textures makes it a must-try for anyone exploring the culinary landscape of San Francisco. The restaurant’s dedication to maintaining high-quality standards and offering a delectable dining experience makes it a top choice for lovers of Chinese cuisine.
Lucky Dragon, Chicago, IL
Nestled in the vibrant city of Chicago, Lucky Dragon is a culinary gem renowned for its exquisite take on Sesame Chicken, transcending the boundaries of a mere dish to become an artistic masterpiece. The presentation alone is a feast for the eyes: the dish is elegantly adorned with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and vibrant green onions, promising a sensorial delight before the first flavorful bite.
Taste and Quality:
The Sesame Chicken at Lucky Dragon is a symphony of flavors. The sauce, a masterful concoction, boasts depth and complexity that elevates the entire dish. It strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, complementing the tender, succulent chicken. Each bite offers a burst of delectable tastes, leaving a lasting and memorable impression.
Price and Portions:
Lucky Dragon offers this culinary delight at a price range of approximately $14 to $18, considering the high quality and generous portions. The serving size is ample, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience.
Suitability:
The ambiance at Lucky Dragon caters to various groups, from families to couples and individuals seeking an extraordinary dining adventure. The visually captivating presentation and the remarkable flavors make it a destination for those seeking a delightful and memorable dining experience.
Accessibility and Nearby Transport:
Located in Chicago, Lucky Dragon enjoys good accessibility via public transportation, with bus stops and a nearby subway station within walking distance. For those commuting by car, parking facilities in the vicinity are available, although they might fill up during peak hours.
Overall Food Review:
Lucky Dragon’s Sesame Chicken is more than a dish; it’s an art form. The exceptional presentation, coupled with the explosion of flavors and tender chicken, creates a dining experience that stays etched in your memory. The commitment to quality and the culinary expertise exhibited in this dish make Lucky Dragon a go-to destination for those seeking a culinary journey through Chinese cuisine in the heart of Chicago.
Wok ‘n Roll, Los Angeles, CA
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, Wok ‘n Roll proudly masters the art of Sesame Chicken, setting a remarkable standard in the city’s culinary landscape. What truly distinguishes their rendition is the meticulous balance achieved in every aspect of the dish, resulting in a sauce that dances gracefully between subtle sweetness and a delicate tang. The chicken itself is a testament to culinary perfection, offering a delightful crunch that harmonizes flawlessly with the nuanced flavors of the sauce.
Taste and Quality:
The Sesame Chicken at Wok ‘n Roll is a testament to culinary finesse. The carefully balanced sauce is a masterpiece, neither overpowering with sweetness nor too sharp with tanginess, offering a harmonious blend that delights the palate. The chicken, cooked to perfection, embodies a delightful crunch that impeccably complements the nuanced sauce.
Price and Portions:
Wok ‘n Roll offers their Sesame Chicken at an affordable range, typically priced between $10 to $14. The portion sizes are generous, ensuring a satisfying and fulfilling dining experience.
Suitability:
The inviting ambiance of Wok ‘n Roll caters to a diverse array of patrons, from families seeking a delightful meal to individuals and couples looking for an exceptional culinary adventure. The balanced flavors and quality preparation make it an appealing destination for anyone seeking an authentic and tasteful dining experience.
Accessibility and Nearby Transport:
Situated in Los Angeles, Wok ‘n Roll enjoys excellent accessibility via public transport, with nearby bus stops and a subway station within convenient reach. For those arriving by car, parking facilities in the vicinity are available, although they might experience high demand during peak hours.
Overall Food Review:
Wok ‘n Roll’s Sesame Chicken is a testament to the mastery of flavor and balance. The carefully crafted sauce, combined with perfectly cooked chicken, creates a dining experience that resonates with a delicate harmony of tastes. The dedication to maintaining quality and offering a delightful culinary experience makes Wok ‘n Roll a standout destination in Los Angeles for lovers of Chinese cuisine.
Following these steps meticulously ensures a delightful harmony of flavors and textures in your American Chinese Sesame Chicken, making it a true culinary masterpiece.
The beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste but in the process. The fusion of traditional Chinese techniques with a touch of American influence makes this dish a delightful experience for both the chef and the diner.
The art of using the right amount of sesame oil and incorporating the crunch of sesame seeds brings forth a perfect balance of flavors that linger on your taste buds, making it an irresistible favorite.
So, if you’re yearning for a culinary adventure or simply seeking the perfect homemade comfort food, American Chinese Sesame Chicken might just be the dish you’ve been looking for. Give it a try and savor the fusion of cultures in each flavorful bite!
Bon appétit!
I hope this takes you on a flavorful journey into the world of American Chinese cuisine!
