🍗🍯🍽️ Sure, I’d be happy to provide you with a detailed response about Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken!
What is Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken?
Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken is a delicious Chinese-American dish known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. It typically consists of bite-sized pieces of tender chicken that are battered and deep-fried to a crispy perfection. The chicken is then coated in a flavorful sauce made with ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and toasted sesame seeds. The result is a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken and a rich, sweet, and nutty sauce, often garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
History:
The exact origin of Sesame Chicken is somewhat debated, but it’s generally considered to be a variation of General Tso’s Chicken, a popular Chinese-American dish. Sesame Chicken likely emerged in Chinese-American restaurants in the United States in the mid-20th century, where it became a beloved staple on many Chinese takeout menus.
Components:
To prepare Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken, you will need the following components:
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used.
- Batter: A mixture of flour, cornstarch, egg, and seasonings to coat the chicken.
- Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce made with ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For garnish and added flavor.
- Green Onions: Optional, for garnish and a pop of color.
Steps to Prepare Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, prepare a batter by mixing flour, cornstarch, beaten egg, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
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Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok to around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the battered chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate pan, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Heat the sauce over medium heat until it thickens and becomes glossy.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Toss the fried chicken pieces in the sauce until they are well coated.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the Sesame Chicken for added flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Time Needed:
The time required to prepare Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken can vary but generally takes around 45-60 minutes. This includes preparation, frying, and making the sauce. It’s a dish well worth the effort, perfect for satisfying your cravings for a tasty Chinese-American favorite! 🥡👩🍳👨🍳
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 4 ounces of chicken with sauce):
- Calories: Around 300-400 calories
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: About 20-30 grams
- Fat: Around 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on cooking method and oil used
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams
- Sugar: Around 15-20 grams
Health Information:
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Protein Source: Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken is a good source of protein due to the chicken. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
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Caloric Content: The calorie content can vary depending on the serving size and preparation method. If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s a good idea to moderate your portion size.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates mainly come from the sauce, which contains honey and sugar. While carbohydrates provide energy, be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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Fat Content: The fat content in this dish is moderate and mostly comes from the frying oil and sesame oil. Sesame oil is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to soy sauce and other seasonings. If you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce or using it sparingly.
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Fried vs. Baked: To make the dish healthier, consider baking the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Baking reduces the amount of oil used and can lower the overall calorie and fat content.
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Balance: As with any dish, balance is key. Enjoy Anna Marie’s Sesame Chicken as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a side salad to increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Remember that the specific nutrition facts may vary based on the recipe and portion size, so it’s a good idea to use a nutrition calculator or consult the packaging of specific ingredients for more accurate information.
