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Tamarind Sesame Chicken

Tamarind Sesame Chicken

Discover the bold flavors of Tamarind Sesame Chicken. A tangy-sweet dish with a nutty crunch. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Try this easy recipe today.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts skin removed, cut into thin strips
  • 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray for air frying
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 3 large cloves garlic peeled and crushed
  • 1 inch piece ginger peeled and finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 5 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 zest lime
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • a pinch red chili finely chopped, optional

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wok or skillet
  • Air fryer, oven, or stovetop pan
  • Wire rack if baking

Method
 

  1. Remove the skin from the chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed garlic, grated ginger, tamarind paste, water, soy sauce, honey, lime zest, sesame oil, and chili if using. Stir until smooth.
  3. Add the chicken strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, white pepper, and five-spice powder.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and roll each strip in the seasoned flour mixture.
  6. For air frying, lightly spray chicken with oil and cook at 200°C for 11–22 minutes until golden brown. For pan-frying, cook over medium heat until crispy.
  7. Pour the leftover marinade into a wok or skillet with a splash of water and heat gently until it thickens.
  8. Add the cooked chicken and sesame seeds to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Feel free to toast the sesame seeds before adding them for extra nuttiness. If you have any ingredient substitutions, such as using regular soy sauce or vegan alternatives like tofu, don’t hesitate to experiment. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently. Perfect for meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time. Enjoy with rice or mixed veggies!
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