Name: Crispy Sesame Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Takeout Alternative
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon corn starch; 1/3 cup water; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup flour; 2 egg whites; 1/2 cup cold seltzer water; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; Vegetable oil, for deep frying

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If you’re craving the irresistible flavors of sesame chicken but don’t want to wait for takeout, you’re in luck!

Crispy Sesame Chicken A Quick and Delicious Takeout Alternative

This homemade Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with bold flavors that will rival your favorite Chinese restaurant. The best part? You’ll have it ready in just 30 minutes!

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress. With a mildly sweet sesame sauce coating crispy chicken bites, it’s a comforting yet exciting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious dish from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Homemade Goodness: Skip the takeout and enjoy fresh, flavorful ingredients made in your own kitchen.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice level, or serving size to suit your taste and needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves crispy chicken paired with a rich, tangy sauce!

Ingredients

To make this Crispy Sesame Chicken, you’ll need three main components: the sauce, the tempura batter, and the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sesame Chicken Sauce Ingredients:

Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds salty umami flavor.
Rice Vinegar (1/4 cup): Provides tangy acidity to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup): Creates the mildly sweet base for the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.
Water (1/3 cup): Helps dissolve and combine the sauce ingredients.
Sesame Oil (2 teaspoons): Adds a nutty aroma and depth of flavor.
Sesame Seeds (1/2 tablespoon): For garnish and texture.

Tempura Batter:

Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Ensures a light and crispy coating.
Flour (1/2 cup): Provides structure to the batter.
Egg Whites (2): Creates a fluffy texture when fried.
Cold Seltzer Water (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter light and airy.

Chicken:

Chicken Thighs (1 lb): Boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Sesame Oil (2 teaspoons): Used during stir-frying for added flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of spice.
Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon): Enhances the sauce with rich, savory notes.
Vegetable Oil: For deep frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds until well combined. Set aside for later—this sauce will be the star of the dish!

2. Make the Tempura Batter

In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a light batter that clings to the chicken without being too dense.

3. Coat the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to the tempura batter, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This step is crucial for achieving that signature crispy texture when fried.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the battered chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 3–5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

5. Stir-Fry and Combine

In a large wok or skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir until it thickens slightly. Add the crispy chicken pieces to the wok and toss quickly to coat them evenly in the sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately while hot—this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables!

Tips for Success

Use Cold Seltzer Water: The colder your seltzer water, the crispier your tempura batter will be when fried.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep your frying oil at 350°F for consistent results—too hot or too cold can affect the texture of the chicken.
Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to ensure each piece cooks evenly without sticking together.
Customize Your Sauce: If you prefer less sweetness or more spice, adjust the brown sugar or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’re getting per serving (based on six servings):

Calories: 361 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 624mg

This recipe strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition—it’s satisfying without being overly heavy!

Make It Your Own

This Crispy Sesame Chicken recipe is versatile and easy to customize:

Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets—they fry up beautifully in tempura batter!
Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
Spice It Up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add chili paste for extra heat.

Conclusion

Crispy Sesame Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. With its crunchy texture and sweet yet savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress while saving you time and money compared to ordering takeout.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to this delicious homemade dish tonight! Bon appétit!

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Crispy Sesame Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Takeout Alternative

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe