Choosing between General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken can be a tough call for any takeout enthusiast. Both dishes boast a loyal following, but their distinct flavors and textures make them entirely different culinary experiences. This deep dive explores the key differences, helping you decide which dish best suits your palate.
What is General Tso's Chicken?
General Tso's chicken is a Hunan-style dish characterized by its fiery, sweet, and savory sauce. The chicken is typically deep-fried until crispy, then tossed in a glossy, dark brown sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger. Its bold, complex flavor profile makes it a standout among Chinese-American cuisine. The heat level can vary depending on the restaurant, ranging from mildly spicy to intensely fiery.
What is Sesame Chicken?
Sesame chicken offers a more mild and subtly sweet flavor profile. The chicken, often breaded and deep-fried like General Tso's, is coated in a lighter, sesame-seed-studded sauce. This sauce usually features soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or sugar, and a touch of rice wine or sherry. The overall taste is more balanced and less intensely spicy than General Tso's. The crunchy sesame seeds add a delightful textural element.
General Tso's Chicken vs. Sesame Chicken: A Detailed Comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the nuances:
| Feature | General Tso's Chicken | Sesame Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce | Dark brown, thick, sweet, spicy, savory | Lighter, thinner, sweet, subtly savory |
| Spice Level | High (variable, but often quite spicy) | Low to mild |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, complex, umami-rich | Balanced, subtly sweet, nutty |
| Texture | Crispy chicken, glossy sauce | Crispy chicken, slightly sticky sauce |
| Garnish | Often garnished with sesame seeds (though not the main focus) | Generously coated in sesame seeds |
Which One is Healthier?
Both General Tso's and sesame chicken are deep-fried, making them relatively high in calories and fat. However, sesame chicken generally contains less sugar and chili peppers, potentially making it slightly healthier in terms of sodium and sugar content. The healthiest option would be to opt for a baked or stir-fried version of either dish, but that does compromise the classic crispy texture.
What are the Ingredients in General Tso's Chicken?
General Tso's chicken's exact ingredients vary between restaurants, but common components include:
- Chicken: Typically boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinade: Often a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and egg white for tenderness and crispiness.
- Breadcrumbs/Cornstarch: For a crispy coating.
- Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or brown sugar), chili garlic sauce, ginger, garlic, and sometimes cornstarch for thickening.
What are the Ingredients in Sesame Chicken?
Similarly, sesame chicken recipes vary, but key ingredients usually include:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Marinade/Breading: Often a combination of egg, soy sauce, and cornstarch or breadcrumbs.
- Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or sugar, rice wine or sherry, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds for flavor and texture.
Is General Tso's Chicken Spicy?
The spiciness of General Tso's chicken is highly variable. Some restaurants create a relatively mild version, while others produce a dish that packs a serious punch. If you're sensitive to spice, it's always a good idea to inquire about the heat level before ordering.
Is Sesame Chicken Spicy?
Sesame chicken is generally not spicy. Its flavor profile focuses on sweet and savory elements, with the sesame oil and seeds contributing a nutty aroma and flavor.
In conclusion, the best choice depends entirely on your taste preferences. If you love bold, spicy flavors, General Tso's is your go-to. If you prefer a milder, more subtly sweet and nutty dish, then sesame chicken is the winner. Both offer delicious, satisfying meals, so why not try both and decide for yourself?
