Description
A comforting and crispy dish of tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy sesame sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼ cup water
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon light sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- 1 stalk green onion, cut into thin slices (greens and whites separated)
- Oil (as needed for cooking and frying)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs: In a large bowl, combine chicken with ¼ cup water, baking soda, and salt. Mix until absorbed, then add eggs and cornstarch, mixing until smooth. Stir in oil.
- Heat the oil: In a wok or deep pan, heat 2-3 inches of oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together ketchup, ½ cup water, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and both soy sauces. Set aside.
- Fry the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add marinated chicken pieces in batches. Fry for 4-5 minutes, then drain for 2-3 minutes.
- Second fry: Return the chicken to the hot oil and fry for another 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the sauce: In another pan over medium heat, sauté the white parts of green onions briefly. Add prepared sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce until coated evenly.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve immediately over rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onion tops.
Notes
Customize with vegetables, add spice, or try different sauces and garnishes for unique flavors. Marinating ahead enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 300mg