Sesame Chicken Recipe: A Classic Chinese-American Dish
**Ingredients:**
For the chicken:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For the sauce:
* 1/2 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
* Scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
**Optional ingredients for variations:**
* Red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy version
* Lemon zest or juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor
* Green onions or scallions for a fresh, oniony flavor
* Cashews or peanuts for added crunch
* Grated orange or carrot for added sweetness
* Tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version
**Cooking Steps:**
1. **Prepare the chicken:** In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
2. **Cook the chicken:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Make the sauce:** In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the grated ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. **Add the sauce ingredients:** Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil.Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. **Add the sesame oil and sesame seeds:** Stir in the sesame oil and sesame seeds. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is evenly coated with sesame oil and seeds.
6. **Return the chicken to the skillet:** Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
7. **Cook for an additional minute:** Cook for an additional minute, until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.
8. **Serve:** Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions and additional sesame seeds if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For a crisper exterior, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch before cooking.
* For a thicker sauce, add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before cooking.
* For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture.
* For a brighter, citrusy flavor, add lemon zest or juice to the sauce mixture.
* To add crunch, sprinkle chopped cashews or peanuts over the top of the dish before serving.
* For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and follow the same cooking steps.
This Sesame Chicken Recipe is a classic Chinese-American dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Sesame Chicken dish that is sure to please.
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