Difference Between General Tso And Sesame Chicken

General Tso's Chicken vs. Sesame Chicken: What's the Difference?

Choosing between General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken can be a delicious dilemma! Both are popular Chinese-American dishes, but they possess distinct flavors and textures that cater to different palates. This article will delve into the key differences, helping you make an informed decision the next time you're faced with this culinary conundrum.

Key Differences at a Glance:

• Sauce: This is the most significant difference. General Tso's boasts a vibrant, spicy, and sweet brown sauce, often featuring a touch of ginger and garlic. Sesame chicken, conversely, utilizes a lighter, subtly sweet and savory sauce, primarily characterized by its prominent sesame oil and often a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Sweetness: General Tso's leans heavily towards sweetness, balanced by a satisfying kick of chili. Sesame chicken is less intensely sweet, with a more balanced flavor profile.
• Texture: General Tso's chicken pieces are typically coated in a thicker, crispier batter, resulting in a satisfying crunch. Sesame chicken often features a lighter batter, or in some instances, no batter at all, leading to a more tender texture.
• Color: The dark brown, almost reddish hue of General Tso's sauce contrasts sharply with the lighter, often golden brown or amber color of sesame chicken's sauce.
• Ingredients: While both dishes feature chicken, their other ingredients and cooking methods differ slightly. General Tso's typically uses soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and ginger. Sesame chicken, as the name suggests, relies heavily on sesame oil, along with soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch for thickening.

General Tso's Chicken: A Deep Dive

General Tso's chicken is a fiery delight, known for its bold, sweet, and spicy flavor profile. The deep brown sauce is incredibly rich, thanks to the generous use of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. The chili garlic sauce adds a fiery kick, making it a perfect option for spice lovers. The chicken itself is typically deep-fried to achieve that signature crunchy exterior. This results in a somewhat heavier dish compared to sesame chicken.

Key characteristics:

• Spicy and Sweet: A perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
• Thick, Dark Brown Sauce: The sauce is the star of the show.
• Crispy Texture: The deep-fried chicken provides a satisfying crunch.
• Rich and Savory: The soy sauce and other ingredients contribute a deep savory flavor.

Sesame Chicken: A Refined Approach

Sesame chicken offers a more delicate and refined taste. The sauce, typically thinner than General Tso's, emphasizes the nutty and aromatic qualities of sesame oil. While it still contains sweetness, it's more subtle and balanced by savory elements. The chicken itself can vary in texture; some recipes prioritize a tender interior, while others still offer a light crispiness from a thin batter.

Key characteristics:

• Subtle Sweetness: The sweetness is less pronounced compared to General Tso's.
• Lighter, Thinner Sauce: The sauce is more delicate and less overpowering.
• Nutty Aroma: The sesame oil is the defining aromatic ingredient.
• Versatile Texture: Can range from tender to lightly crispy.

Choosing the Right Dish

The choice between General Tso's and sesame chicken ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you enjoy bold, spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch, General Tso's is your best bet. If you prefer a more delicate, subtly sweet and savory dish with a lighter texture, sesame chicken will likely be more appealing. Both dishes offer a delicious and satisfying experience; the key is understanding their unique characteristics to make the best choice for your taste.