If you're a chicken lover looking for a flavorful and filling meal, 1 serving (312 g) Sesame Chicken is a great option for you. This dish packs a punch with its delicious flavor and nutritional value. With 400 calories per serving, this dish is sure to keep you full and satisfied.
Sesame chicken is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. This dish contains chicken breast, which is a lean protein that helps build and repair your body's cells. Additionally, sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats and essential nutrients, like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
In this article, we'll explore various aspects of sesame chicken, including how to cook it, its nutritional value, and some serving suggestions. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find this article to be a helpful guide for preparing the perfect sesame chicken.
Delectable Flavor of Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a dish that bursts with flavor. Its sweet and savory glaze, made with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, complements the tender chicken perfectly. The sesame seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. To enhance the flavor of sesame chicken, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade and make it more tender. As an alternative, you can also try adding some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers to your sesame chicken for an extra bite of nutrition and flavor.
Rich Nutritional Value of Sesame Chicken
Apart from its excellent taste, sesame chicken is also nutritious. It is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair the cells in your body. The sesame seeds in the dish provide healthy fats, fiber, calcium, and iron. Sesame chicken is also low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy a filling meal without consuming too many calories. However, keep in mind that restaurant-style sesame chicken may contain high amounts of sodium and sugar. Therefore, it's best to prepare this dish at home to control the ingredients and the nutritional value.
How to Make Sesame Chicken at Home
Making sesame chicken at home is easy and fun. To start, marinate chicken breast in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Then, coat the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and flour and fry it until it's crispy and golden brown. Next, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in a pan and add the chicken, along with the glaze made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Cook the chicken until it's coated in the glaze and the sauce has thickened. You can serve sesame chicken with steamed rice or noodles, or with a side of vegetables to make it a complete meal. This way, you can have a healthier and tastier version of this classic Chinese dish.
The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Sesame Chicken
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can make your sesame chicken perfectly every time. To start, make sure the oil is hot before frying the chicken, as this will ensure the chicken is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Additionally, don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken, as this can lower the temperature of the oil and make the chicken greasy. You can also use a slotted spatula to flip the chicken easily and drain excess oil. Finally, be patient when cooking the chicken in the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce until it's fully coated and the sauce has thickened. This will make the chicken more flavorful and tender.
Serving Suggestions for Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken can be served in many ways to suit different palates and occasions. You can serve it as a main dish with a side of rice or noodles, or as an appetizer at a party with toothpicks or skewers. For a healthier option, you can serve sesame chicken with quinoa or brown rice and steamed veggies like broccoli or bok choy. You can also try serving it cold as a salad by adding some greens and a sesame dressing. Finally, sesame chicken can be paired with different sauces for added flavor, like sweet chili, hoisin, or teriyaki sauce. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite serving suggestions.
Quick and Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful meal, this quick and easy sesame chicken recipe is perfect for you. To start, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Then, coat diced chicken breast in cornstarch and flour, and sauté it in a pan until golden brown. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and cook until the chicken is coated and the sauce has thickened. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve with some steamed rice or veggies. This recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and is perfect for a weekday dinner or a lazy weekend lunch.
Delight Your Tastebuds with Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a dish that never disappoints when it comes to flavor. Its sweet and tangy sauce, combined with the nutty and crunchy sesame seeds, makes it a dish that everyone loves. To take the dish to the next level, try adding some herbs and spices like green onions, cilantro, or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different kinds of sesame seeds, like black sesame, to give the dish a unique twist. Whether you're a foodie or a picky eater, sesame chicken is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Healthy Twist to Classic Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is usually deep-fried and coated in a sugary sauce. However, you can make a healthier version of this dish by using better ingredients and changing the cooking method. For example, instead of deep-frying the chicken, you can bake it in the oven with a light coating of oil. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to make the sauce healthier and less sweet. By making these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a guilt-free version of sesame chicken that is still delicious and flavorful.
Preparing the Best Sesame Chicken Marinade
The key to making delicious sesame chicken is to marinate the chicken properly. Here's a simple and flavorful marinade recipe that you can try at home. Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 2 garlic cloves, minced. Instructions: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. Add the chicken breast and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
The Ultimate Sesame Chicken Meal
If you love sesame chicken, why not make a complete meal out of it? Here's an ultimate sesame chicken meal suggestion that is sure to impress your guests. Appetizer: Sesame chicken skewers with sweet chili sauce. Main Dish: Sesame chicken with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots.
Sesame chicken is a dish that never goes out of style. Its sweet and tangy flavor, combined with crunchy sesame seeds, makes it a crowd favorite.
5 FAQs About Sesame Chicken
1. What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish made by coating small pieces of chicken in a batter and frying them until crisp. The chicken is then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil, and served over rice. Sesame seeds are usually added for extra flavor and crunch.
2. How many calories are in one serving of Sesame Chicken?
One serving of Sesame Chicken (312 g) contains 400 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients and cooking method used. It is always best to check the nutrition information provided by the restaurant or home cook.
3. Is Sesame Chicken healthy?
Sesame Chicken is generally considered to be unhealthy due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. The batter coating and frying process add a significant amount of calories and fat to the dish. The sauce also contains a lot of sugar and sodium, which can be harmful to health when consumed in excess.
4. Can Sesame Chicken be made healthier?
Yes, Sesame Chicken can be made healthier by using leaner cuts of chicken, such as chicken breast, and cooking it in a healthier way, such as baking or grilling. Using less batter and oil can also reduce the calorie and fat content. The sauce can be made with less sugar and sodium by using healthier substitutes, such as honey or low-sodium soy sauce.
5. What are some good side dishes to serve with Sesame Chicken?
Sesame Chicken is usually served over rice, but it can also be paired with other side dishes. Some popular choices include stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers, or a side of steamed or sautéed greens, like bok choy or spinach. Soup, such as egg drop or hot and sour soup, can also make a great side dish to complement the flavors of Sesame Chicken.