Sesame Chicken Takeout Fakeout

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) These main ingredients make the base of the dish. The chicken gives protein. The cornstarch helps create a crispy texture. The oils and sauces add a rich flavor. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings umami. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste Red pepper flakes bring heat. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. Don't forget to add salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish) Garnishes add color and texture. Green onions provide freshness. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch. You can add these just before serving for a lovely presentation. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Place the chicken in a bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken. Toss until all pieces are coated. This coating will give the chicken a nice crispiness when cooked. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid crowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This thickens the sauce and blends the flavors. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken well in the sauce. Heat for another 2 minutes to coat the chicken fully. Now, your sesame chicken is ready to shine! Don’t forget to garnish it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flair. Serve it hot over rice or noodles for a tasty meal. To get crispy chicken, start with cornstarch. Coat each chicken piece evenly. This helps lock in moisture while adding crunch. Cook the chicken in batches. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of fry. Heat your oil until it shimmers. This means it's hot enough for frying. Boost the flavor with fresh ingredients. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a bright taste. You can also add a splash of orange juice. This adds a nice citrusy twist. If you like heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. More flakes mean more spice. Consider adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for a richer flavor. For this dish, use a large skillet. A cast-iron skillet works great for even heat. Make sure it has high sides to prevent splatters. Use a good spatula for flipping the chicken. A frying thermometer can help keep the oil at the right temperature. If you have one, a deep fryer can also do the job well. Pro Tips High Heat for Crispiness: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that crispy texture. A medium-high heat will help sear the chicken quickly. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. For a milder dish, use less, or for more heat, add extra flakes. Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken. Garnish for Presentation: Use fresh herbs or additional toppings like crushed peanuts or cilantro to elevate the dish's appearance and add extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for a different taste. Salmon also works well. Just adjust cooking times. Shrimp cooks fast, while salmon needs a bit longer. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great soy sauce alternative. Ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free too. Most brands are safe, but check the label. For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace chicken with firm tofu. Press and cube the tofu to remove excess water. Cook it until golden brown. You can also use seitan for a meat-like texture. Adjust the sauce as needed for flavor. After you finish your meal, let the sesame chicken cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave. Place the chicken in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warmth. You can also use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water, and cover it. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you want to freeze the dish, put the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. The chicken can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To cook chicken well, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. Cook it until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Always let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tender. Yes, you can switch sauces if you want. Try teriyaki or sweet and sour sauces instead. You can also mix soy sauce with orange juice for a citrus twist. If you like it tangy, add more rice vinegar. Just remember to keep the balance of sweet and salty. This helps the flavors blend well. To add spice, increase the red pepper flakes in the sauce. Start with 1 teaspoon for extra heat. You can also add sliced fresh chili peppers while cooking. If you want a smoky flavor, try a bit of sriracha sauce. Adjust the spice to your taste, and enjoy the kick! This blog post explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for great flavor. You learned about spice choices, options for meat, and how to store leftovers. Remember, achieving crispiness is crucial for tasty chicken. Try different protein or sauce options for fun. Don't forget the garnishes to make your dish shine. Cooking is all about creativity and joy. Make each meal your own, and enjoy every bite!$

Sesame Chicken Takeout Fakeout

A delicious homemade version of sesame chicken that captures the flavors of takeout.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch piece ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when cooked.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it well in the sesame sauce until fully coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the sesame chicken over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. For a pop of color, add steamed broccoli or snap peas and drizzle extra sesame sauce over the dish.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, sesame, takeout