Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort meal that combines crispy chicken coated in a sweet sesame glaze with perfectly seasoned vegetable fried rice. This recipe brings together bold flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout dish or preparing a homemade feast, this guide will help you master the art of making sesame chicken with fried rice at home.
Table of Contents
What Is Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice?
Sesame Chicken is a Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, battered chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet sesame glaze. Paired with Vegetable Fried Rice, it creates a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Fried rice, made with day-old rice and sautéed vegetables, is a perfect side dish to complement the chicken’s crunch and the sauce’s richness.
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice
For Sesame Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sesame Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Vegetable Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked, day-old rice
- 1 cup diced mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn)
- 2 eggs (scrambled)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preparing the Sesame Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip chicken pieces into beaten eggs, then coat in a mixture of cornstarch and flour.
- Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden brown. For an extra crispy texture, double-fry the chicken.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Toss the fried chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
2. Making the Vegetable Fried Rice
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the vegetables and set them aside. Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Push the aromatics to the side and scramble the eggs in the pan.
- Stir-Fry the Rice:
- Add the rice and vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat, adding soy sauce for seasoning. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Tips for Success
Achieving Crispy Chicken
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before you start the marinating process, it’s crucial to pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step is important because moisture on the surface of the chicken can prevent the marinade and batter from adhering properly, which can lead to a less crispy outcome. Dry chicken ensures the coating sticks well and fries up beautifully.
- Fry in Small Batches: When frying, it’s tempting to put as much chicken in the pan as possible to speed up the process. However, overcrowding the pan can lower the oil’s temperature, leading to soggy and improperly cooked chicken. Frying in small batches allows the oil to maintain a consistent high temperature, ensuring each piece of chicken is evenly golden and crispy.
- Double-frying Technique: For an ultra-crispy texture that stays crisp even after tossing with the sauce, employ the double-frying method. After the first fry, let the chicken rest for a few minutes and then fry again briefly. This technique helps to set the crust and reduces any excess moisture that might make the batter soggy.
Perfecting Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky and moist for frying, which often leads to mushy fried rice. Day-old rice that has been refrigerated is drier and firmer, making it ideal for achieving distinct grains each coated beautifully with oil and seasonings. This is a key element in making restaurant-style fried rice.
- Stir-Fry in Batches: If you’re cooking a large amount of fried rice, consider stir-frying in smaller batches. This avoids overcrowding the pan and steaming the rice instead of frying it, which is essential for that characteristic chewy texture and slightly crispy exterior.
- High Heat is Crucial: The magic of a good stir-fry lies in the heat. High heat ensures that everything cooks quickly and gets a nice sear. It helps the soy sauce and sesame oil to develop flavors that are bold and smoky. Keep everything moving in the pan to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
Additional Tips
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: When seasoning the fried rice or the chicken, start with a smaller amount of sauce or spices, taste, and then adjust. It’s much easier to add more seasoning than to fix a dish that’s become too salty or too spicy.
- Resting Before Serving: Letting the fried rice and chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving can improve their texture. The rice will settle and become more cohesive, and the chicken’s juices will redistribute for more succulent meat.
Serving Suggestions for Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
1. Garnishes to Enhance Flavor and Presentation
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice before serving. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also intensifies the sesame flavor, tying the dish’s components together beautifully.
- Chopped Green Onions: Adding freshly chopped green onions provides a burst of color and a mild, spicy kick that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice.
2. Side Dishes to Complement the Main Course
- Steamed Dumplings: Serve Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice alongside steamed dumplings, such as potstickers or gyoza. Choose vegetable or pork dumplings to provide a soft texture contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and a hint of sugar can cleanse the palate between bites of the rich Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice, balancing the overall richness of the meal.
3. Ideal Pairings for a Balanced Meal
- Soup Options: Start the meal with a mild soup, such as egg drop or miso soup. These soups are light enough not to overpower the main dish, Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice, and provide a soothing start to a flavorful meal.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable spring rolls dipped in a light sweet and sour sauce can be a crunchy, delightful starter that complements the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice. They add a textural variety and an additional layer of vegetables to the meal.
4. Drink Pairings to Complete the Experience
- Green Tea: Offer a pot of green tea to accompany the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice. The subtle bitterness of green tea can balance the sweetness of the sesame glaze and refresh the palate.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: For those preferring a cold, refreshing drink, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime offers a crisp counterpoint to the rich flavors of Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice, enhancing the dining experience.
5. Creative Twists and Additional Recipes
- Pair with Garlic Bread Smashed Potatoes: For an unconventional but satisfying side, pair the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice with garlic bread smashed potatoes. The creamy, garlicky potatoes will contrast delightfully with the crispy chicken and flavorful rice.
- Sesame Oil in Cooking: Explore further the benefits and uses of sesame oil, an integral ingredient in the Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice, by reading about its health benefits and culinary applications. This can inspire home cooks to use sesame oil more creatively in their cooking.
By considering these serving suggestions, you can elevate the meal of Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice from a simple dinner to a memorable dining experience. Each suggestion aims to complement the dish’s rich flavors and textures while adding visual appeal and nutritional balance. Enjoy crafting a meal that delights the senses and satisfies the appetite with these thoughtful pairings and additions.
Want to try something new? Pair your sesame chicken with Garlic Bread Smashed Potatoes for a hearty side dish.
FAQs About Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice
1. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
2. What Vegetables Work Best for Fried Rice?
Carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, and green onions are excellent choices.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet to maintain texture.
4. What’s the Secret to Crispy Chicken?
Double-fry the chicken and use cornstarch in the batter for the crispiest results.
5. Can I Add More Protein to Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or additional scrambled eggs are great options.
Conclusion
Sesame Chicken with Vegetable Fried Rice is a satisfying dish that combines crispy chicken with flavorful fried rice. By following the tips for double-frying and using day-old rice, you can recreate this takeout favorite at home with ease.
Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques to make this dish your own!