Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's both quick to make and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this irresistible Sticky Sesame Chicken recipe! This American-Chinese takeout favorite is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, offering a burst of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy goodness in every bite. Forget complicated techniques and long prep times; this recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward methods to deliver restaurant-quality results. The perfectly balanced sauce, clinging beautifully to tender chicken, is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sticky sesame sauce, served alongside fluffy rice or your favorite noodles. This recipe delivers just that, and more. Ready to experience the magic? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this incredible Sticky Sesame Chicken together!
Tools Needed
- knife
- cutting board
- bowls
- frying pan
- spatula
- kitchen roll
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the deboned and deskinned chicken thighs into 2 to 4 cm chunks.
- Mix potato starch, salt, MSG, and white pepper thoroughly, breaking up any lumps.
- Coat the chicken chunks in the starch mixture, ensuring each piece is covered. Shake off excess starch.
- Add egg white to the remaining starch mixture and mix well. Adjust with more egg white if too dry.
- Coat the chicken again in the starch-egg white mixture.
- Deep fry the chicken in vegetable oil at 180°C (360°F) until piping hot and slightly crispy. Remove and drain on kitchen roll for 20 minutes.
- Deep fry the chicken again at the same temperature until super crispy.
Step 2. Make the Sticky Sesame Sauce
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Add onions, rehydrated garlic granules, spring onions, salt, and MSG. Brown the mixture.
- Add minced ginger and cook for about 30 seconds. Add ketchup and cook until the flavor changes to a richer tomato-like taste.
- Stir in sesame paste, water, light muscovado sugar, vinegar, and pure sesame oil. Reduce until sticky.
Step 3. Combine and Coat
- Toss the fried chicken in the sauce to coat evenly.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Chicken thighs are superior to chicken breast for this recipe.
- Using a spider is highly recommended for frying.
- The batter might appear anemic but that's because there's no protein, allowing for high heat frying without burning.
- Pan-frying the ketchup results in a richer flavor than simply adding it to a liquid.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will stay more moist and tender during cooking.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be cooked and the sauce made ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
This Sticky Sesame Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious and convenient meal option for any night of the week. From the simple preparation to the incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying taste of homemade takeout, made easy!