Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Sesame Chicken

I found a recipe for sesame chicken on the Rasamalaysia site.  It looked easy and delicious, so I gave it a try.  It turned out to be both, so I will post it here for you to try. Next I will try their Naan recipe.  Naan is a type of flatbread used frequently in India.  It is sold in the local market, so unless it is fabulous and way better than store bought, I may only make it once.

I recommend the Rasamalaysia site, so check it out.

  

Sesame Chicken

1/2 pound chicken breast
2 Tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
sesame seeds

Batter

1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg white
1/3 cup cold water
1 Tablespoon oil
pinch of salt

Sauce

2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
4 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/3 cup water

  

If you want to serve this over rice, and you should, start it now.

  

Make the sauce first. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

  

Next make the batter for frying.  Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until there are no lumps.  You may need to add another 1 or 2 Tablespoons of water to get the right consistency, I did.  Set aside.

  

Heat oil in a wok or deep stockpot.  You will need a thermometer to make sure the temperature is 350°.   When you add the chicken the temperature will go down, so you will have to keep an eye on the thermometer and adjust the heat under the wok to keep the temperature at 350°.

  

Cut the chicken breasts into strips.  Add them to the batter and stir until they are coated.  Place several layers of paper towels on a plate.  Prepare to get messy fingers.

  

Pick up individual pieces of the batter coated chicken.  Carefully drop them in the heated oil.  Don't overfill the oil with the chicken pieces.

  

You will have to cook the chicken in batches.  Use a slotted spoon to keep the chicken pieces from sticking together.  and to turn them to cook both sides to a golden brown.  Use the slotted spoon to lift the chicken from the oil and let it drain a bit.

  

Then place them on the paper towels.  Discard the oil.  I used an empty can from the recycle box.    Discard the batter.

  

After you cook all the chicken add 2 Tablespoons oil to the wok.  cook the minced ginger in the heated oil until you can smell the garlic.  Yum.  Add the reserved sauce to the garlic and cook until it starts to thicken.

  

Add the chicken to the sauce and cook until well coated.

  

Place the chicken in a serving bowl and shower it with the sesame seeds.  Serve over rice.

  

Sesame chicken is one of my favorite Asian dishes.  I like the fact that I am now able to fix it for myself. It was a really good meal, and fast and easy to prepare.  I highly recommend it!