Orange chicken and sesame chicken are two of the most popular dishes on a Chinese takeout menu. Both of these chicken dishes have crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce. But what makes them different? Keep reading to learn all about orange chicken vs. sesame chicken.
Key Differences
Orange chicken is made with battered and fried chicken pieces that are then coated in a tangy orange sauce. The sauce is usually made with orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving it a sweet and sour flavor.
Sesame chicken, on the other hand, is made with battered and fried chicken pieces that are coated in a thick, sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. The chicken is then sprinkled with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Different Flavors and Textures
While both dishes are delicious, they have different flavor profiles and textures that appeal to different tastes. If you prefer a tangy and sweet sauce, then orange chicken may be the way to go. If you prefer a sweeter sauce with a nutty flavor, then sesame chicken may be more your style. Ultimately, the choice between the two dishes comes down to personal preference.
Different Sauces
Orange chicken is sweet and tangy, with a hint of spiciness. The sauce is made with orange juice, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce. On the other hand, sesame chicken is savory and nutty, with a slightly sweet flavor. The sauce is made with sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Both dishes are delicious, but the taste is a matter of personal preference.
Different Textures
Orange chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The chicken is coated in a batter made with cornstarch and flour, then deep-fried until golden brown. Sesame chicken is also crispy on the outside, but the texture is slightly different due to the sesame seeds in the batter. The chicken is coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and sesame seeds, then deep-fried until crispy.
Comparing the Nutritional Value
When it comes to nutritional value, both dishes are high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, orange chicken is slightly higher in carbohydrates due to the sugar in the sauce. Sesame chicken is slightly higher in protein due to the sesame seeds in the batter.
Which One is More Popular?
Orange chicken is more popular in the United States, while sesame chicken is more popular in China. However, both dishes are widely available in Chinese restaurants around the world.
FAQs
What is the difference between orange chicken and sweet and sour chicken?
Orange chicken is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Sweet and sour chicken is made with battered chicken pieces that are deep-fried and then tossed in a sweet and sour sauce that typically includes ketchup, vinegar, and sugar.
Is sesame chicken sweet?
Sesame chicken has a slightly sweet taste due to the addition of sugar in the sauce.
What’s the difference between orange chicken, sesame chicken, and General Tso’s chicken?
Orange chicken is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. Sesame chicken is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that includes soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. General Tso’s chicken is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, sweet, and savory sauce that typically includes soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.
What is the difference between honey chicken and orange chicken?
Honey chicken is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and sticky honey sauce. Orange chicken, on the other hand, is made with deep-fried battered chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
