Introduction
If you are a fan of Chinese cuisine, you have probably come across General Tso chicken and sesame chicken on the menu. These two dishes are among the most popular Chinese-American dishes. However, despite their popularity, most people cannot tell the difference between the two dishes. In this article, we will explore the differences between General Tso chicken and sesame chicken to help you make an informed choice.
General Tso Chicken
General Tso chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish that originated from Hunan, China. The dish is named after a famous military leader, General Tso, who lived during the Qing dynasty. The dish is made of deep-fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The chicken is then coated in a sweet and sour sauce that is made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes. The sauce is thick and sticky, and it gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor.
Ingredients for General Tso Chicken
- Chicken breast
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Chili flakes
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Vegetable oil
Sesame Chicken
Sesame chicken is another popular Chinese-American dish that originated from Sichuan, China. The dish is made of deep-fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The chicken is then coated in a sweet and savory sauce that is made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. The sauce is lighter and less sticky than the sauce used in General Tso chicken, and it gives the chicken a nutty and savory flavor.
Ingredients for Sesame Chicken
- Chicken breast
- Cornstarch
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sugar
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Vegetable oil
Differences between General Tso Chicken and Sesame Chicken
Now that we have looked at the ingredients used in both General Tso chicken and sesame chicken, let us explore the differences between the two dishes.
Flavor
The main difference between General Tso chicken and sesame chicken is the flavor. General Tso chicken has a sweet and tangy flavor, while sesame chicken has a nutty and savory flavor. The sauce used in General Tso chicken is thicker and stickier than the sauce used in sesame chicken.
Color
Another difference between General Tso chicken and sesame chicken is the color. General Tso chicken has a reddish-brown color, while sesame chicken has a lighter brown color. The reddish-brown color in General Tso chicken comes from the chili flakes used in the sauce.
Ingredients
Although both dishes use similar ingredients, there are some differences in the ingredients used. General Tso chicken uses chili flakes, while sesame chicken uses sesame oil. Additionally, the sauce used in General Tso chicken has a higher sugar content than the sauce used in sesame chicken.
Origin
General Tso chicken originated from Hunan, China, while sesame chicken originated from Sichuan, China.
Conclusion
In conclusion, General Tso chicken and sesame chicken are two popular Chinese-American dishes that are often confused. While both dishes are made of deep-fried chicken and have similar ingredients, there are differences in the flavor, color, and origin of the two dishes. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice the next time you order Chinese food.
