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sesame chicken

Course Dinner
Better-than-takeout sesame chicken! Crispy, sweet, and savory—ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 450 g chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
  • For the Batter
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 egg white
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • ⅓ cup water add more if needed

For the Sesame Sauce

  • 3 tbsp honey adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1.5 tbsp ketchup
  • 1.5 tbsp brown sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 1.5 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion chopped

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Batter

  • In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
  • Soy sauce
  • Egg white
  • White pepper
  • Water (start with ⅓ cup and add more if the batter is too thick)
  • The consistency should be smooth and like paint.

2️⃣ Coat and Fry the Chicken

  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces into the batter and gently mix until coated.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 330–340°F (165–170°C).
  • Fry the chicken in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  • Optional but highly recommended: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and double fry the chicken for 30–60 seconds to achieve ultimate crispiness.
  • Set aside on a wire rack to drain.

3️⃣ Prepare the Sesame Sauce

  • In a bowl, mix together:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Rice vinegar
  • Shaoxing wine
  • Grated garlic
  • Whisk until smooth.

4️⃣ Coat the Chicken

  • In a large pan or wok, pour in the sesame sauce and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the fried chicken pieces, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Toss gently until everything is coated and glossy.