Description
Crispy sesame chicken delivers a mouthwatering blend of golden-brown crunch and Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates. Delicate chicken pieces coated in a perfectly balanced sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
Thickening Agents:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful sauce by whisking soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a bowl until completely smooth.
- Transfer the sauce mixture to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and transforms into a glossy, rich consistency (approximately 3-5 minutes).
- Remove sauce from heat and set aside to cool slightly while preparing other components.
- Create the tempura batter by combining cornstarch and flour in a medium mixing bowl.
- Whip egg whites until they become frothy and light, introducing an airy texture to the batter.
- Gradually fold cold seltzer water into the dry ingredients, mixing gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure without overmixing.
- Prepare chicken thighs by thoroughly patting them dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Massage chicken pieces with sesame oil and red pepper flakes, allowing the meat to absorb these aromatic seasonings for a few minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to precisely 350°F, creating the optimal temperature for crispy, golden-brown chicken.
- Carefully dip each chicken piece into the tempura batter, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Gently lower battered chicken into hot oil, frying in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach perfect crispiness.
- Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
- In a large skillet, warm sesame oil and quickly sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant.
- Pour prepared sesame chicken sauce into the skillet, creating a glossy coating.
- Toss crispy chicken pieces in the sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to achieve maximum tempura batter adherence and prevent soggy texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality sesame oil for enhanced authentic flavor and aromatic depth.
- Control oil temperature precisely at 350°F to prevent burning and maintain perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Cold seltzer water creates lighter, airier tempura batter by introducing extra carbonation and reducing gluten development.
- Allow excess oil to drain thoroughly after frying to maintain crispy exterior and prevent greasiness.
- Fresh garlic and high-quality red pepper flakes significantly elevate the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg