Sesame Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Shaoxing wine, fine sea salt, toasted sesame oil, white pepper powder, MSG (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

2. Prepare the Batter

While the chicken marinates, prepare the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons of cornstarch, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of neutral oil, and ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Ensure the batter is smooth and free of lumps. After the chicken has marinated, coat each piece thoroughly in the batter.

3. Prepare the Sauce and Cornstarch Slurry

Next, prepare the sauce and cornstarch slurry. In a medium bowl, mix the heated chicken stock or water with sugar, oyster sauce, honey, clear rice wine or Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and white pepper powder. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.

4. First Fry

Heat neutral oil in a small, deep pot to 335°F. Fry the battered chicken in batches for 5 to 6 minutes until they are light golden brown. This step ensures even cooking and initial crispiness. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.

5. Second Fry

Increase the oil temperature slightly and fry the chicken pieces again for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a darker golden brown. This second fry will make the chicken extra crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

6. Cook the Sauce

In a wok, heat a small amount of the frying oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add the fried chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Serve

Finally, transfer the crispy sesame glazed chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispiness and savory sweetness.