Sesame chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish, featuring crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and savory sesame-infused sauce With its craveworthy balance of flavors and textures, it’s easy to see why sesame chicken is so popular. However, the right side dishes can truly elevate this meal from simple takeout fare to a mouthwatering culinary experience.
When planning sides for sesame chicken, aim to complement the dish’s richness with brighter, lighter options. Vibrant, crunchy vegetables, refreshing salads, and classic noodle or rice accompaniments are all excellent choices. Read on for ideas to round out your sesame chicken dinner and take it to the next level.
The Starch: Soak Up the Sauce
Serving sesame chicken over a base of rice or noodles is a no-brainer The starch soaks up the luscious sauce while providing satisfying bulk to make a meal
White rice is the classic choice letting the sesame chicken flavors shine. For fluffy separate grains, jasmine or basmati rice works best. Brown rice brings a nuttier taste and chewier texture while ramping up the nutritional value.
For a fun twist, fried rice infused with veggies like carrots, peas, and scallions is a delicious option. The scrambled egg adds extra protein too. Lo mein noodles tossed in a light soy-based sauce makes an excellent alternative if you want that noodle satisfaction.
Crunchy, Bright Vegetables: Balance is Key
The richness of sesame chicken calls for vegetables that provide contrasting flavors and textures. Focus on fresh, lively flavors and a good crunch.
Steamed broccoli is a simple, healthy choice. For more flair, toss broccoli florets with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fried veggie medleys shine with color and taste: think bell peppers, snap peas, baby bok choy, and water chestnuts.
Asian greens like bok choy, gai lan, or napa cabbage lend an authentic vibe. Quick-cook them with garlic, sesame oil, and oyster sauce. For less-known veggies, try long beans, baby corn, or choy sum.
Light, Cooling Salads: The Yin to Sesame Chicken’s Yang
A fresh, bright salad balances the meal beautifully. The crunch and acidity cuts the chicken’s richness for the perfect complement.
For an Asian slaw, shred napa cabbage, carrots, and radishes then dress with a tangy rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger dressing. Top with peanuts or fresh herbs. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil also hits the spot.
Or go fruit-forward with a mango, pineapple, or orange salad, or a mixed greens salad with mandarin oranges and slivered almonds. The sweet juiciness pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Special Touches: Take it Over the Top
A few special touches can really make your sesame chicken dinner exceptional. Consider adding:
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Edamame: Nutty, crunchy, protein-packed legumes. Toss them into a salad or serve them on the side.
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Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, mint, or Thai basil brighten up any side dish.
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Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle them on vegetables or salads for nutty crunch.
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Tangy dipping sauces: Serve spicy mayo, sweet chili sauce, or a ginger scallion sauce for drizzling.
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Sliced avocado: Creamy richness to balance the chicken’s crispness.
With the right combination of sides playing off the flavors in sesame chicken, you can create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired feast. Don’t settle for just rice with your takeout – get creative with crunchy, fresh veggie dishes and cooling salads for a meal that’s truly exceptional. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
If you’re unfamiliar with this Chinese-American fast food classic, sesame chicken is small pieces of tender chicken that have been coated in an egg and cornstarch, deep-fried until crispy, and then coated in a deliciously sweet, salty, and tangy sauce. The sauce also has a light but toasty flavor, thanks to sesame seeds.
However, I specifically wrote this recipe for those of you out there who hate deep frying as much as I do. My recipe uses a very small amount of oil to cook the chicken, and because of that, you don’t get super crispy edges as you would with a deep fry…but the trade-off is WELL worth it, in my opinion. No leftover oil to deal with, no cooking oil smell filling your house, and no splattering oil trying to kill you. So worth sacrificing crispy edges (and it’s just as delicious!)
- ¼ cup soy sauce ($0.20)
- 2 Tbsp water ($0.00)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil ($0.32)
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar** ($0.30)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar ($0.14)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger*** ($0.10)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.08)
- ½ Tbsp cornstarch ($0.03)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds ($0.10)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.08)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs* ($3.48)
- 1 large egg ($0.67)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch ($0.06)
- 1 pinch each salt and pepper ($0.05)
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice ($0.97)
- 2 whole green onions ($0.20)
- First, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl stir together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, minced garlic, cornstarch, and sesame seeds. (Grate the ginger with a small-holed cheese grater). Set the sauce aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, 2 Tbsp cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs, then cut them into small 1 inch pieces. Toss the chicken in the egg and cornstarch mixture.
- Add the cooking oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium flame. Wait until the skillet is very hot, then swirl the skillet to make sure the oil coats the entire surface. Add the batter coated chicken and spread it out into a single layer over the surface of the skillet.
- Allow the chicken pieces to cook, undisturbed, until golden brown on the bottom. Then, carefully flip the chicken, breaking up the pieces into smaller clumps as you flip. Continue to cook the chicken until golden brown on the other side. Stir the chicken as little as possible to avoid breaking the egg coating from the surface of the chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides, pour the sauce over top. Toss the chicken to coat in the sauce. As the sauce comes up to a simmer, it will begin to thicken. Continue to gently stir the chicken in the sauce until it has thickened, then turn off the heat.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of rice and sprinkle the sliced green onions over top.
- Non Stick Cookware
- Grater
- Color Cutting Boards
chinese takeout recipes ~ sesame chicken
FAQ
What to eat sesame chicken with?
Here you have two meals in one: you can serve the sesame chicken with noodles or steamed rice if you prefer, and then the fried rice can be the perfect …
What does sesame chicken come with?
After these preparations, the unfinished dish is topped with small sesame seeds, which may or may not be toasted, hence the name sesame chicken. It is sometimes, but not always, served with vegetables such as broccoli and baby corn.
What does sesame go well with?
Sesame seeds work particularly well with chicken and other meats and in warm salads and salad dressings. They also add a distinctive flavour to stir-fried and rice dishes. Ground sesame seeds are used to make tahini, a smooth paste commonly added to Middle Eastern dishes.
What to have with honey sesame chicken?
Serve it with stir-fried or steamed greens, or a pack of stir-fried veg and noodles for a quick and healthy meal.