Chinese sesame chicken is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many across the United States. Known for its crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sesame sauce, this dish is a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. In Virginia Beach, a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, several restaurants offer their unique takes on this classic dish. This article delves into the history, preparation, and local offerings of sesame chicken in Virginia Beach.
The Origins of Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is a dish that originated in Chinese-American cuisine, believed to have been created in the 1970s in the United States. It quickly became a staple in Chinese takeout and restaurant menus across the country. The dish typically features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered and deep-fried until crispy, then tossed in a sweet and savory sauce made from ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. The final touch is a generous sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, which add a delightful nuttiness and crunch to the dish.
Key Ingredients and Preparation
The key components of sesame chicken include:
- Crispy Chicken: The chicken is usually coated in a light batter made from flour and cornstarch, then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
- Sweet and Savory Sauce: The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are sprinkled on top of the dish, adding a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
The preparation of sesame chicken involves several steps:
- Marinating the Chicken: The chicken pieces are marinated with ingredients like soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger to infuse them with flavor.
- Battering and Frying: The marinated chicken is coated in a mixture of flour and cornstarch, then deep-fried until crispy.
- Making the Sauce: The sauce is prepared by combining soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a pan and simmering until slightly thickened.
- Tossing the Chicken: The crispy chicken pieces are tossed in the sauce until well-coated, then sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.
Sesame Chicken in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts a variety of Chinese restaurants that offer their unique versions of sesame chicken. Here are some notable establishments:
1. Peter Chang
Located at 3364 Princess Anne Rd, Peter Chang is a popular Chinese restaurant in Virginia Beach known for its authentic and flavorful dishes. With a rating of 4.4 and 741 reviews, this restaurant offers a delightful version of sesame chicken that keeps customers coming back for more.
2. Guangdong Taste
Guangdong Taste, situated at 3497 Holland Rd, is another highly-rated Chinese restaurant in Virginia Beach. With a rating of 4.4 and 878 reviews, this establishment is known for its delicious and well-prepared sesame chicken, making it a favorite among locals.
3. Ming’s Chinese Restaurant
Ming’s Chinese Restaurant, located at 449 S Lynnhaven Rd, offers a budget-friendly option for those craving sesame chicken. With a rating of 4.4 and 323 reviews, Ming’s is praised for its tasty and affordable dishes.
4. Forbidden Palace Chinese Bar & Bistro
Forbidden Palace, located at 3333 Virginia Beach Blvd #34, is a Chinese bar and bistro that offers a slightly upscale dining experience. With a rating of 4.5 and 490 reviews, this restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and flavorful sesame chicken.
5. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, situated at 4878 Princess Anne Rd, is another top-rated Chinese restaurant in Virginia Beach. With a rating of 4.5 and 601 reviews, this establishment is renowned for its delicious sesame chicken and excellent service.
Homemade Sesame Chicken Recipes
For those who prefer to make sesame chicken at home, several recipes offer step-by-step instructions to recreate this beloved dish. Here are a few notable recipes:
1. Easy Sesame Chicken by Pups with Chopsticks
This recipe features extra crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Key tips include mixing the sesame oil after turning off the heat to preserve its delicate flavor and toasting the sesame seeds for added nuttiness.
2. Sesame Chicken by Dinner at the Zoo
This recipe involves coating chicken pieces in eggs, flour, and cornstarch, then frying them until crispy. The sauce is a combination of honey, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. The crispy chicken is then tossed in the sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions.
3. Sesame Chicken by CJ Eats Recipes
This recipe emphasizes marinating the chicken with kosher salt, white pepper, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger for maximum flavor. The chicken is then dredged in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture and double-fried for extra crispiness. The sauce includes chicken stock, light soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil.
4. Baked Sesame Chicken by The Woks of Life
For a healthier alternative, this recipe involves baking the chicken instead of deep-frying. The chicken is marinated with cornstarch, sesame paste, salt, and Shaoxing wine, then dredged in a flour and sesame seed mixture before baking. The sauce includes chicken stock, rice wine vinegar, sugar, soy sauces, and sesame oil.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken is a beloved dish that has become a staple in Chinese-American cuisine. In Virginia Beach, several restaurants offer their unique takes on this classic dish, each with its own distinct flavor and preparation method. Whether you prefer to dine out or make it at home, sesame chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings for a sweet and savory meal. With its crispy chicken pieces, flavorful sauce, and nutty sesame seeds, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.