Crispy perfection without the guilt: how to create authentic sesame chicken without frying
What To Know
- Add 1/4 cup of honey and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the sesame sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sesame sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Yes, you can make the sesame chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of sesame chicken without the guilt of deep-frying? Look no further than this delectable recipe that reveals the secrets to creating crispy, juicy chicken coated in a rich and flavorful sesame sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sesame Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch and soy sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Make the Sesame Sauce
- In a small saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients for the sesame sauce.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Add the cooked chicken to the sesame sauce and stir to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken and serve immediately.
- Enjoy with steamed rice or your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Use a nonstick skillet or wok to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
- If you don’t have toasted sesame seeds, you can toast them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Serve the sesame chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Healthier Alternative
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Variations
- Spicy Sesame Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes to the sesame sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of honey and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the sesame sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Orange Sesame Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the sesame sauce for a citrusy twist.
“No-Fry” Sesame Chicken: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
This “no-fry” sesame chicken recipe allows you to indulge in your favorite dish without the added calories and fat. The crispy chicken coated in the flavorful sesame sauce will satisfy your cravings while being a healthier choice.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Q: How can I make the sesame sauce thicker?
A: If you want a thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sesame chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat before serving.
