Sesame chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that consists of chicken pieces that are coated in a sweet and savory sauce containing sesame seeds. It has a complex flavor profile with a balance of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy tastes. In this article, we will explore the key flavors in sesame chicken and what makes this dish so addictive and delicious.
Sweet
One of the predominant flavors in sesame chicken is sweetness. The sauce uses ingredients like sugar, honey, or hoisin sauce to create a sticky, sweet glaze. When this coats the fried chicken, it results in a lovely balance of sweet and salty. The sweetness enhances the flavor of the chicken and creates an almost candied exterior that is both crispy and gooey at the same time.
In addition to sugar and honey, the sweetness can also come from hoisin sauce or other sweet soy-based sauces. Hoisin has a nice molasses-like sweetness that perfectly complements the sesame seeds and chicken. The sweet flavor profile is essential for cutting through the oiliness of the fried chicken and keeping each bite appetizing.
Salty
In addition to sweet, sesame chicken has a prominent salty taste. Soy sauce is usually an ingredient in the sauce, which provides a rich, savory saltiness. Oyster sauce is also commonly used, which contributes additional salty umami flavors.
The salt enhances the chicken flavor and balances out the sweetness from the sugar and honey. It also amplifies the flavors of other aromatics like sesame, garlic, and ginger. The combination of sweet and salty creates a sauce that is highly craveable and makes it hard to stop eating the irresistible chicken.
Savory
Sesame chicken is loaded with savory, mouthwatering flavors. This comes from ingredients like sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and garlic. The sauce is usually thickened with a starch like cornstarch, which further amplifies the savory qualities.
When you bite into a piece of sesame chicken, your mouth explodes with rich, toasted sesame flavors combined with the sweet and salty tastes. The tender chicken soaks up all the sauce and mixes with the nutty essence of sesame. Garlic and ginger add a nice background layer of aroma. It is an extremely satisfying and savory flavor experience.
Spicy
Some recipes for sesame chicken also incorporate a little bit of heat into the mix. This can come from hot chile peppers or chili oil. Even just a small amount brings a tingling spice to the dish that cuts through the rich flavors.
The spiciness forms an intriguing contrast with the sweetness. It helps keep each bite exciting and makes you eager for more. If you don’t like too much heat, the spicy kick can be left out. But just a little bit of chili pepper or red pepper flakes brings the flavors to life.
Crunchy Texture
In addition to the complex blend of flavors, the texture of sesame chicken is another key part of its appeal. The chicken is coated in a light batter then fried until golden brown and very crispy. When sauced and baked, the exterior maintains a delightful crunch.
The crispy fried exterior provides textural contrast to the juicy, tender chicken inside. This mix of crunchy and succulent is highly craveable. The craggy texture also helps the sauce adhere and allows you to get sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors coupled with a crunchy and tender texture. The saucy chicken is extremely habit-forming – its balance of tastes and textures make it irresistible to keep eating. The next time you see sesame chicken on a Chinese takeout menu, give it a try to experience its complex symphony of addictive flavors for yourself.