Sesame Chicken

Sesame Chicken Recipe: The Oriental Delight that Charms in My Land

Are you looking for a recipe that combines exotic flavors with the simplicity of home cooking? Sesame Chicken has become one of the favorite dishes in homes for its irresistible aroma, its juicy texture, and its crispy touch of golden sesame. Inspired by oriental flavor, this dish is ideal for those who want to surprise the family or impress guests with a recipe that, although simple, conveys a unique culinary experience. From its preparation to its presentation, Sesame Chicken reflects the richness of spices and quality oil, which together enhance each bite with deep and subtle notes. In addition, its versatility allows it to be accompanied by different side dishes such as rice, fresh salads, or stir-fried noodles. The combination of oriental flavor and family warmth makes this recipe a jewel in the kitchens of Sabores de Mi Tierra and El Buen Pollo, which you should undoubtedly try and repeat.

Origin and inspiration of Sesame Chicken

This dish reflects a fusion between Mexican and oriental culinary traditions, where sesame —also known as ajonjolí— is the protagonist for its toasted flavor and intense aroma. The presence of golden sesame seeds in traditional recipes, especially in East Asian gastronomy, has been adopted and adapted by cooks from our land to create a flavor that combines the best of both worlds. The modern trend of incorporating nutritious ingredients and international flavorings has made Sesame Chicken go from being an exotic dish to a classic on family tables. It is a recipe that embodies the philosophy of bringing different flavors without overcomplicating things, thanks to its simple preparation and its ability to express aromas and textures in every bite.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 chicken thighs with skin
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2. 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for oriental flavor)

For the coating and flavor

• 4 tablespoons golden sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a sweet touch)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional for more aroma and flavor)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)

Utensils we will use

• A large frying pan or wok (or conventional pan)
• Tongs or spatula
• Deep plate for mixing
• Knife and cutting board
• Container for toasting seeds (can be in the pan itself)

Preparation of Sesame Chicken: step by step

1. Prepare the chicken

• Wash and dry: Wash the chicken thighs under the tap and dry them with kitchen paper to remove moisture. The skin should be dry to make it crispy.
• Season: Season the thighs with salt, pepper and, if desired, a little soy sauce to enhance the flavor and give it an oriental touch.

2. Toast the sesame seeds

• Heat the pan: Place a pan over medium heat and add the 4 tablespoons of sesame seeds. Without adding oil, let them toast until they acquire a golden tone and a deep toasted aroma — this can last about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir constantly: Move the seeds with a spatula or ladle so that they brown evenly and do not burn.

3. Cook the chicken

• Heat oil: Add the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken: Place the thighs in the pan skin-side down. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
• Flip and cook: Flip the thighs and reduce to medium heat. Cook for another 10 minutes or until they are well cooked and juicy, by piercing the thickest part.

4. Incorporate the oriental flavor and golden sesame seeds

• Add aromatic ingredients: Add the chopped onion and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
• Integrate the seeds: Sprinkle the toasted golden sesame seeds over the chicken in the pan.
• Final touch: If desired, drizzle with honey and oyster sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes until the flavors integrate and the chicken is shiny and intensely flavored.

To finish and serve

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate. It is advisable to sprinkle a little more sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot accompanied by white rice, noodles, or green salads. Make sure to remove any burnt seeds and adjust the seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if necessary. This dish is ideal for a family lunch or a special dinner, highlighting the oriental flavor in every bite and emphasizing the aroma of the golden sesame seeds that characterize it.

Tips to perfect your Sesame Chicken and surprise with every dish

• Prevent the sesame seeds from burning: Toast over medium heat with constant stirring to achieve an even golden color and avoid the bitter taste of excessive toasting.
• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of the chicken and seeds directly influences the result. The chicken should be fresh and of good origin.
• Control the cooking: Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness; use a thermometer for greater precision, 75°C in the center is ideal.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste and correct with more salt, soy sauce, or honey, depending on whether you prefer a sweeter, saltier, or more aromatic touch.
• Incorporate suitable accompaniments: Jasmine rice, stir-fried noodles, or green salads perfectly complement this dish and enhance its flavor.

Approximate Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Proteins: 30 g
• Fats: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Values correspond to an average serving and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation.

5 keys to make your Sesame Chicken perfect

1. Toasting the sesame seeds: Achieve the perfect golden color to intensify its aroma and flavor without burning it, stirring constantly.
2. Sear the chicken skin well: This helps maintain juiciness and makes it crispy on the outside.
3. Do not overcook the chicken: To preserve its juicy texture, cook only until it reaches the proper internal doneness.
4. Use fresh and quality ingredients: From the chicken to the seeds, this influences the final result.
5. Balance flavors: Honey, soy sauce, and spices should be adjusted to your taste, achieving a harmonious dish.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

Sesame Chicken is perfect for sharing at family dinners, special events, or on days when you want to delight your guests with a different and sophisticated flavor. Additionally, due to its quick preparation, it is suitable for a weekday lunch that requires few steps but delivers surprising results. It is also an excellent option for celebration days when you want to surprise with an oriental touch on the table, or simply to treat yourself to a nutritious and delicious meal. The versatility of its ingredients allows it to be enjoyed both in summer, with fresh salads, and in winter, accompanied by hot rice and sautéed vegetables.

The flavor of Sesame Chicken: Comparison with other similar recipes