Sesame Chicken and Green Beans

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This dish is version of the classic Chinese dish Mala jiding where crispy chunks of deep-fried battered chicken in a sweet, sour, and savory glaze packed with sesame flavor.

Sesame chicken , also called Chinese Sesame Seed chicken ,is a syncretic dish, commonly found in Chinese restaurants throughout the English-speaking world. Traditionally made with green bell peppers. It is sometimes, but not always, served with vegetables such as broccoli and Chinese baby corn.The dish is also similar to General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken, but the taste of the Chinese-based sesame chicken is sweet and savory flavor rather than a hot and spicy, like General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Chicken.

Whatever the case may be, this Chinese take-out classic can be made in your own kitchen and can be enjoyed by all.

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Marinade/Batter:
1 egg white
6 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
2 Tablespoons Shaoxing wine, or sherry vinegar, or dry sherry
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 Tablespoons water
1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Sauce:
3 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chile sauce, or Sambal Oelek, or Sirracha
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 Tablespoons Shaoxing wine, or sherry vinegar,or dry sherry
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Peanut oil, for deep-frying
Salt, to taste
3 Tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
2 to 3 Tablespoons finely chopped scallions, for garnish

Cooked green beans, for serving

Directions:
Wash the chicken under cold running water, pat dry and trim off any excess fat. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and put into a large mixing bowl. Add the marinade ingredients to the bowl and stir to combine. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the sauce.

To make the sauce: In a saucepan, add the sesame oil and set over low heat. Add the ginger and garlic and fry gently until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the remaining sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well to dissolve the cornstarch.

Gently pour into the saucepan with the fried ginger and garlic. Stir as you pour because the cornstarch will thicken up pretty quickly. Keep warm over low heat.

In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep-fryer heat enough oil to come halfway up the sides of the pot, to 375 ºF. Fry the chicken, in small batches, until golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken using a wire mesh strainer and drain on paper towels. Season with a little salt, to taste.

To serve, arrange the fried chicken on a platter and pour drizzle with the sauce. Sprinkle with a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds and serve over the green beans.

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