Sweet and Sour Sesame Chicken

Sweet and sour sesame chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken pieces with a tangy and sweet sauce, topped with sesame seeds. This popular Chinese-inspired meal is perfect for both family dinners and special occasions.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings Portions

Ingredients

Chicken Ingredients:

500 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp cornflour
1 large egg free range beaten
salt to taste
pepper to taste
3 large spring onions scallions sliced
1 large red bell pepper sliced
vegetable oil for frying
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Sauce Ingredients:

Instructions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
500 g chicken breast, salt, pepper
Add the egg to one shallow dish and beat well.
1 large egg
Add the cornflour to a second shallow dish.
2 tbsp cornflour
Dip each piece into the beaten egg, then coat with cornflour. Ensure each piece is evenly covered.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
vegetable oil
Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
1 large red bell pepper
Add the chopped spring onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are tender.
3 large spring onions
In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and ketchup.
3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp ketchup
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Add the cornflour and water mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
1 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp water
Add the fried chicken pieces, spring onions and bell pepper to the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated and hot.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and mix gently.
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Serve immediately.

Notes

- Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that helps balance the strong flavours of the sauce.
- Fried Rice: Vegetable or egg fried rice adds extra taste and variety.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots for freshness and crunch.
- Noodles: Lo mein or chow mein noodles soak up the sauce nicely and add a different texture.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or chicken spring rolls make a great starter or side dish.

Nutrition