When it comes to Chinese-American cuisine, two dishes have dominated menus and cravings for decades: orange chicken and sesame chicken. These dishes have become staples in Chinese takeout restaurants and fusion food spots across the globe. But which one is better? Let’s dive into the delicious world of orange chicken vs sesame chicken.
Orange Chicken: The Sweet and Tangy Classic
Orange chicken is a beloved classic in the Chinese-American cuisine scene. It’s made with battered and fried chicken, tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, and garnished with scallions. The sauce is typically made with orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
The History of Orange Chicken
The origins of orange chicken can be traced back to Panda Express, the fast-food chain that popularized this dish in the United States. The dish was created in 1987 by chef Andy Kao, who was looking to create a new dish that combined Chinese and American flavors. And boy, did he succeed! The dish became an instant hit and has been a staple on Panda Express’s menu ever since.
Sesame Chicken: The Nutty and Savory Delight
Sesame chicken is another popular dish in the Chinese-American cuisine scene. It’s made with battered and fried chicken, tossed in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions. The nutty and savory flavor of sesame chicken is what sets it apart from other Chinese-American dishes.
The History of Sesame Chicken
The history of sesame chicken is a bit murky, but it’s believed to have originated in the Hunan province of China. The dish was traditionally made with diced chicken, water chestnuts, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It was then garnished with sesame seeds and served over rice. The dish was later adapted by Chinese immigrants in the United States, and the battered and fried version we know and love today was born.
Orange Chicken vs Sesame Chicken: The Ultimate Showdown
Now that we’ve explored the history and flavor profiles of both dishes, it’s time for the ultimate showdown: orange chicken vs sesame chicken. Let’s take a closer look at how these two dishes stack up against each other.
Flavor
Orange Chicken: The sweet and tangy flavor of orange chicken is what makes it so addictive. The combination of orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes creates a complex and well-balanced flavor that is hard to resist.
Sesame Chicken: The nutty and savory flavor of sesame chicken is what sets it apart from other Chinese-American dishes. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich and satisfying flavor that is perfect for those who love savory dishes.
Winner: Tie. It really depends on your personal preference. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love orange chicken. If you prefer savory dishes, sesame chicken is the way to go.
Texture
Orange Chicken: The battered and fried chicken in orange chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce adds a nice layer of texture to the dish, making it a delight to eat.
Sesame Chicken: The battered and fried chicken in sesame chicken is also crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch to the dish, making it even more satisfying to eat.
Winner: Tie. Both dishes have a great texture that makes them a pleasure to eat.
Garnishes
Orange Chicken: The garnishes in orange chicken typically include scallions, which add a nice pop of color and a mild onion flavor to the dish. Some restaurants may also add orange zest for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Sesame Chicken: The garnishes in sesame chicken typically include sesame seeds and scallions. The sesame seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, while the scallions provide a pop of color and freshness.
Winner: Tie. Both dishes have garnishes that complement the dish well and add visual appeal.
Health Factor
Orange Chicken: Unfortunately, orange chicken is not the healthiest option on the menu. The battered and fried chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium. The sweet and tangy sauce is also high in sugar.
Sesame Chicken: Like orange chicken, sesame chicken is not the healthiest option on the menu. The battered and fried chicken is also high in calories, fat, and sodium. The savory sauce is also high in sugar.
Winner: Tie. Unfortunately, both dishes are not the healthiest options on the menu. But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the differences between orange chicken and sesame chicken:
| Category | Orange Chicken | Sesame Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sweet and tangy | Nutty and savory |
| Texture | Crispy and tender | Crispy and tender |
| Garnishes | Scallions, orange zest | Sesame seeds, scallions |
| Health Factor | High in calories, fat, and sodium | High in calories, fat, and sodium |
| Origin | Panda Express, Chinese-American cuisine | Hunan Province, China |
| History | Created in 1987 by chef Andy Kao | Originated in Hunan Province and adapted by Chinese immigrants in the US |
| Popularization | Popularized by Panda Express | Popularized in Chinese-American cuisine |
I hope this comparison table helps summarize the key differences between these two delicious dishes!
Final Verdict
So, which one is better: orange chicken or sesame chicken?
It really depends on your personal preference. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love orange chicken. If you prefer savory dishes, sesame chicken is the way to go. Both dishes have a great texture and garnishes that complement the dish well. However, if you’re watching your waistline, you may want to opt for a healthier option on the menu.
In conclusion, whether you’re Team Orange Chicken or Team Sesame Chicken, one thing is for sure: Chinese-American cuisine will continue to evolve and delight our taste buds for generations to come. So, the next time you order takeout, consider trying a new dish or experimenting with different flavors. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite dish!
Related Questions
Which one is healthier, orange chicken or sesame chicken?
Unfortunately, both dishes are not the healthiest options on the menu. The battered and fried chicken is high in calories, fat, and sodium, and the sauces are also high in sugar. If you’re watching your waistline, you may want to opt for a healthier option on the menu.
Where did orange chicken originate?
Orange chicken was created in 1987 by chef Andy Kao, who worked for Panda Express at the time. It quickly became one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and has since been widely adopted in Chinese-American cuisine.
Where did sesame chicken originate?
Sesame chicken originated in Hunan Province, China, and was adapted by Chinese immigrants in the US to suit the American palate.
What makes orange chicken sweet and tangy?
Orange chicken gets its sweet and tangy flavor from a sauce made with orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and ginger. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and then tossed with the fried chicken.
What makes sesame chicken savory?
Sesame chicken gets its savory flavor from a sauce made with soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch and then tossed with the fried chicken.
Can you make orange chicken without frying the chicken?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of orange chicken by baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken wings for a leaner protein option.
Can you make sesame chicken without frying the chicken?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of sesame chicken by baking the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken wings for a leaner protein option.
What is the texture of orange chicken?
Orange chicken has a crispy and tender texture, thanks to the battered and fried chicken. The sauce also adds a sticky and gooey texture to the dish.
What is the texture of sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken also has a crispy and tender texture, thanks to the battered and fried chicken. The sauce also adds a sticky and gooey texture to the dish, but the sesame seeds give it a nice crunch.
Can you make orange chicken with tofu instead of chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of orange chicken by using tofu instead of chicken. You can also use other plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan.
Can you make sesame chicken with tofu instead of chicken?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of sesame chicken by using tofu instead of chicken. You can also use other plant-based proteins like tempeh or seitan.
Is orange chicken a traditional Chinese dish?
No, orange chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish. It was created in the US as part of Chinese-American cuisine.
Is sesame chicken a traditional Chinese dish?
No, sesame chicken is not a traditional Chinese dish either. It was adapted from Hunan cuisine by Chinese immigrants in the US.
