Sesame Chicken vs Orange Chicken: Which Is Tastier?

Orange Chicken vs Sesame Chicken

I occasionally hear the phrase ‘chicken is chicken’ coming from people who believe no matter how chicken meat is prepared it is still the same thing, this is only true until you try sesame chicken or orange chicken. These two differently prepared chicken meats put that statement/phrase to the dust bin where it belongs. These two styles of preparing chicken meats were popularized by Asian cooks, and now chicken lovers can’t get enough of them as they keep wondering between sesame chicken and orange chicken which one is better, tastier and healthier? In this article of sesame chicken vs orange chicken, I would try to answer all of these questions. Without any further ado let’s dive into understanding the orange chicken versus sesame chicken conversation.

What is Sesame Chicken?

Sesame chicken is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine that perfectly balances flavors, textures, and aromas. With its succulent pieces of chicken coated in a rich, sticky sauce and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, sesame chicken is a culinary masterpiece that satisfies both the eyes and the palate. As an experienced cook, allow me to guide you through the art of creating a delectable sesame chicken dish that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients: To prepare sesame chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For cooking:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions (scallions), for garnish

Cooking instructions:

1. Marinating the chicken:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine or sherry, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption.

2. Preparing the sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce until well combined.
   • In a small cup, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
   • Heat a saucepan over medium heat and pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Frying the chicken:

   • In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes around 5-6 minutes.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the cooked chicken onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Coating the chicken with sauce:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the fried chicken and the prepared sauce. Gently toss the chicken until each piece is evenly coated.
   • Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the chicken, and give it another gentle toss to distribute the seeds evenly.

5. Serving the sesame chicken:

   • Transfer the sesame chicken to a serving platter or individual plates.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch.
   • Serve the sesame chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures!

As you can tell, Sesame chicken is a delightful dish that showcases the beauty of Chinese cuisine. By following these listed simple steps, you can create a sensational sesame chicken that boasts tender chicken pieces, a luscious sauce, and the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds. So put on your chef’s hat, grab your apron, and embark on a culinary journey filled with aromatic spices and tantalizing tastes.

What is Orange Chicken

Orange chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances the tangy zest of citrus with the sweetness of a sticky sauce, resulting in a tantalizing explosion of flavors. As an experienced cook, I am delighted to guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering orange chicken dish that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your cooking skills to new heights.

Ingredients: To create a sensational orange chicken dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the orange sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is preferred)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

For garnish:

• Sliced green onions (scallions)
• Sesame seeds

Cooking instructions:

1. Marinating the chicken:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until they are evenly coated.
   • Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

2. Preparing the orange sauce:

   • In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and orange zest.
   • In a small cup, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently while you fry the chicken.

3. Frying the chicken:

   • In a deep skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   • In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
   • Coat each chicken piece in the cornstarch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
   • Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, frying them in batches to ensure even cooking.
   • Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy, typically taking about 4-5 minutes.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing any excess oil to drain.

4. Coating the chicken with the orange sauce:

   • Place the fried chicken in a large mixing bowl.
   • Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken, gently tossing it until each piece is coated evenly.
   • Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly coated, allowing the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the crispy exterior.

5. Serving the orange chicken:

   • Transfer the orange chicken to a serving platter, garnishing it with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
   • Serve the orange chicken hot with steamed rice or noodles(like chow mein or mei fun), allowing the vibrant flavors to captivate your palate.

Orange chicken is a culinary masterpiece that unlike sesame chicken, combines the freshness of citrus with a delectable sweet and savory sauce. By following these steps, you will master the art of creating an irresistible orange chicken dish. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of flavors and experience the joy of creating a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Now that we have gotten acquainted with what Sesame chicken is versus what orange chicken is, as well as how to make them to perfection. Let’s dive into their the comparison between the two as well as the tabular representation of these differences and similarities if any.

Sesame Chicken Versus Orange Chicken

Sesame chicken and orange chicken are both beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine, showcasing unique flavors and textures that delight the palate. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let’s compare sesame chicken and orange chicken to appreciate their individual qualities.

Flavor Profile:

• Sesame Chicken: Sesame chicken features a rich and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness. The chicken is typically coated in a sticky sauce that combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and often includes honey or brown sugar. The dish gets its name from the sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, adding a nutty aroma and taste to the overall flavor profile.
• Orange Chicken: Orange chicken offers a sweet and tangy flavor with a refreshing citrus twist. The sauce is made with orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, creating a bright and vibrant taste. The dish often incorporates orange zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Texture:

• Sesame Chicken: Sesame chicken is known for its crispy exterior, achieved by coating the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before frying. The sauce clings to the crispy chicken, creating a delightful contrast between the crunchy texture and the smooth sauce.
• Orange Chicken: Orange chicken shares a similar crispy texture, as the chicken is also coated in a batter before frying. The sauce, with its sticky consistency, adds a luscious coating to the crispy chicken, resulting in a satisfying combination of textures.

Accompaniments:

• Sesame Chicken: Sesame chicken is often served with steamed rice or noodles, allowing the sauce to mingle with the grains for a hearty and satisfying meal. It pairs well with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, adding freshness and a crunchy element to the dish.
• Orange Chicken: Like sesame chicken, orange chicken is commonly served with steamed rice or noodles. The vibrant citrus flavors of orange chicken complement vegetables such as snow peas or bell peppers, adding a colorful and refreshing touch to the plate.

Appearance:

• Sesame Chicken: Sesame chicken has a glossy and caramelized appearance, thanks to the sticky sauce that coats each piece of chicken. The dish is often garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions, adding a visual appeal to the plate.
• Orange Chicken: Orange chicken showcases a vibrant orange hue, reflecting the citrusy nature of the dish. It is commonly garnished with sliced green onions for freshness and can be sprinkled with sesame seeds for added texture and visual contrast.

Below is a tabular representation of the differences between orange chicken and sesame chicken.

Orange Chicken vs Sesame Chicken

In summary, while both sesame chicken and orange chicken are delicious Chinese dishes, they offer distinct flavor profiles and textures. Sesame chicken leans towards a savory and nutty taste, while orange chicken embraces a sweet and tangy flavor with a citrus twist. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific flavors you desire. Whichever you choose, both dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and bring a taste of Chinese cuisine to your table.

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