Ingredients
- For the Sesame Chicken Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- For the Tempura Batter:
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup flour
- 2 egg whites
- ½ cup cold seltzer water
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare the Tempura Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, egg whites, and cold seltzer water until just combined. Add the chicken pieces to the batter, coating them evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Add the battered chicken in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per batch). Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce and Coat Chicken: In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 teaspoons sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Serve: Add the prepared sesame sauce to the pan, then add the fried chicken. Toss quickly to coat the chicken in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper to the sauce.
- For a crunchier coating, allow the battered chicken to sit for a few minutes before frying.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
