Sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken are two popular Chinese-American chicken dishes that have some similarities but also key differences. Both dishes typically consist of fried, battered chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. However, the specific ingredients and preparation methods set these recipes apart.
What is sesame chicken?
Sesame chicken features chicken pieces that are coated in a batter containing sesame seeds, then fried until crispy. The chicken is tossed in a thick, sweet sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and chicken broth. The sauce coats the fried chicken pieces with a sticky, glossy exterior. Sesame chicken is usually served with steamed white rice on the side.
Some key features of sesame chicken include:
- Batter contains egg, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, sesame seeds
- Fried chicken pieces with a crunchy, sesame seed coated exterior
- Thick, sweet sauce with a heavy sesame flavor
- Ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar
- Served with steamed white rice
Sesame chicken likely originated in the United States in the 1970s. It was created by Chinese immigrants who adapted their cooking techniques to appeal to American tastes. The sweet sauce and fried coating suited popular Americanized Chinese dishes. Sesame chicken became a staple menu item in many Chinese restaurants around the country.
What is General Tso’s chicken?
General Tso’s chicken consists of chicken pieces that are fried until crispy then coated in a spicy, sweet sauce. The sauce is made with ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. It has a thinner consistency compared to sesame chicken sauce. General Tso’s chicken is usually served with steamed broccoli on the side.
Some defining traits of General Tso’s chicken include:
- Light breading on fried chicken pieces
- Thinner, more liquid sauce compared to sesame chicken sauce
- Spicier flavor from chili peppers
- Less pronounced sesame flavor
- Served with steamed broccoli
The origins of General Tso’s chicken are unclear, but it also emerged as a popular Chinese-American dish in the 1970s. It may have been created by Chef Peng Chang-kuei, a native of Hunan province, who immigrated to Taiwan and later New York. The name may reference a 19th century Chinese statesman, Zuo Zongtang, also known as General Tso. However, the connection is speculative.
Differences in ingredients
While both dishes are made with fried chicken and a sweet sauce, sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken have some key differences in ingredients:
| Ingredient | Sesame Chicken | General Tso’s Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken coating | Thicker batter with flour, egg, cornstarch, baking soda, sesame seeds | Thin breading |
| Sauce thickness | Thick, gloopy sauce coats chicken | Thinner, more liquid sauce |
| Sauce flavor | Pronounced sesame taste | Less sesame flavor |
| Spiciness | Not spicy | Spiced with chili peppers |
As shown, sesame chicken has a thicker batter and sauce both flavored predominantly by sesame oil and seeds. General Tso’s chicken has a thinner breading and sauce spiced up with chili peppers.
Preparation methods
The preparation process also differs between these two popular dishes:
Sesame chicken
- Chicken pieces are tossed in batter of egg, flour, cornstarch, baking soda, sesame seeds
- Battered chicken is fried in oil until golden brown and crispy
- Sauce is made by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, chicken broth
- Fried chicken pieces are tossed in thick sauce until fully coated
- Sesame chicken is served with steamed white rice
General Tso’s chicken
- Chicken pieces are tossed in a light cornstarch batter
- Battered chicken is fried in oil until crispy
- Sauce is made by mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, chicken broth
- Fried chicken pieces are tossed in thin, spicy sauce
- General Tso’s chicken is served with steamed broccoli
The main differences are the batter style and sauce consistency. Sesame chicken has a thicker batter and sauce, while General Tso’s chicken batter and sauce are lighter.
Flavor profiles
Although both contain chicken in a sweet sauce, sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken deliver different flavor experiences:
Sesame chicken flavor
- Crispy, crunchy fried exterior
- Predominant toasted sesame flavor
- Sweetness from sugar
- Umami savoriness from soy sauce
- Not spicy
General Tso’s chicken flavor
- Crispy fried chicken texture
- Moderate sesame flavor
- Sweet and sour from sugar and vinegar
- Spicy chili pepper heat
- Ginger and garlic pungency
Sesame chicken spotlights the nutty sesame taste, while General Tso’s chicken has spicy, pungent, and tangy flavors.
Popularity and availability
Today, both dishes are staples on Chinese restaurant menus across America. However, sesame chicken is more widespread and common.
Sesame chicken can be found at just about any Chinese restaurant in the U.S., from takeout joints to dining establishments. It’s a reliable menu item familiar to many Americans.
Meanwhile, General Tso’s chicken is served at most Chinese restaurants but not quite as ubiquitously as sesame chicken. It’s especially popular in areas with large Chinese immigrant communities like New York City.
In Chinese-American restaurants, sesame chicken is generally cheaper than General Tso’s chicken. The ubiquitous sesame chicken is treated as more of a basic, standard menu option.
Nutritional comparison
Both dishes are fried foods with a good amount of sugar, so they are high in calories without much nutritional value:
| Nutrition Facts | Sesame Chicken (6 oz) | General Tso’s Chicken (6 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 590 | 630 |
| Fat | 24g | 27g |
| Carbs | 54g | 44g |
| Protein | 28g | 29g |
| Sodium | 1260mg | 1970mg |
General Tso’s chicken is slightly higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to sesame chicken. However, both dishes pack high amounts of these nutrients that you would expect from deep fried, sugary dishes.
Cost comparison
At most Chinese restaurants in the United States, sesame chicken is cheaper than General Tso’s chicken. Some average prices are:
| Dish | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Sesame chicken | $7-12 |
| General Tso’s chicken | $12-16 |
You can expect to pay $2-5 more for General Tso’s chicken compared to sesame chicken. This lines up with sesame chicken’s reputation as a basic, standard menu item versus the more “elevated” General Tso’s chicken.
Which is spicier?
General Tso’s chicken is significantly spicier and more pungent tasting than sesame chicken due to the chili peppers in the sauce. Sesame chicken does not contain any spices that bring heat.
The peppery burn from chili peppers is the defining trait of General Tso’s chicken. If you like spicy Chinese food, General Tso’s will have more kick. Those who prefer milder flavors would enjoy sesame chicken more.
Which is more popular?
Sesame chicken is decidedly more popular and widely available than General Tso’s chicken in the U.S. There are a few reasons contributing to its widespread popularity:
- Sesame chicken is on the menu at practically any Chinese restaurant, whereas General Tso’s chicken has a more limited presence
- The flavor profile of sesame chicken is familiar and appealing to many American palates
- It’s moderately priced compared to other menu items
- The recipe is flexible and easy for restaurants to prepare
With its comforting flavors, crunchy fried texture, sweet sauce, and reasonable price, sesame chicken is a safe bet that appeals to diners of all ages. For this reason, it has become one of the most ubiquitous and beloved Chinese dishes in America.
Which came first?
Most evidence points to sesame chicken being invented first in the 1970s, followed by General Tso’s chicken later in the same decade. Here is a brief timeline:
- Early 1970s – Sesame chicken is reportedly invented by Chinese immigrants in New York City using American ingredients to appeal to local tastes.
- Mid to late 1970s – General Tso’s chicken emerges as another hybrid Chinese-American dish, likely created also by Chinese immigrant chefs.
- 1970s onwards – Both dishes proliferate on Chinese restaurant menus across America, gaining popularity in the coming decades.
Sesame chicken was the pioneer sweet, fried Americanized Chinese chicken dish. General Tso’s chicken followed shortly after, putting a Szechuan-inspired spin on the concept.
Which is healthier?
Neither sesame chicken or General Tso’s chicken are very healthy, since they are both deep fried dishes with a lot of sugar. However, sesame chicken is slightly less caloric and high in sodium compared to General Tso’s chicken.
For a 430 gram (15 oz) serving:
- Sesame chicken has around 800 calories, 35g fat, 2400mg sodium
- General Tso’s chicken has around 850 calories, 38g fat, 3400mg sodium
The difference is modest. But if choosing between the two, sesame chicken is relatively healthier due to lower amounts of fat, calories, and sodium.
Which is tastier?
Whether sesame chicken or General Tso’s chicken is “tastier” comes down to personal preference.
Those who enjoy strong sesame flavors and a sticky sauce coating may find sesame chicken more appetizing. People who like spicy food and tangy flavors may prefer General Tso’s chicken instead.
Other factors are texture and sauce consistency. Sesame chicken lovers may find the crispy fried exterior and thick, gloppy sauce more satisfying. On the other hand, fans of General Tso’s chicken may like the lighter crispiness and thinner sauce that lightly coats the chicken.
In terms of overall popularity, more people seem to favor the familiar flavors of sesame chicken. But for those who like spicy and sour notes, General Tso’s chicken is a tastier choice.
Conclusion
Sesame chicken and General Tso’s chicken are two of the most popular Chinese chicken dishes in the U.S. While they have some similarities, key differences set them apart:
- Sesame chicken features a thicker batter and heavier sauce compared to the thinner coating and sauce of General Tso’s chicken.
- Sesame chicken has a more pronounced sesame taste, while General Tso’s chicken is spicier with ginger and garlic notes.
- Sesame chicken is widely available at most Chinese restaurants, whereas General Tso’s chicken has a more limited presence.
- Sesame chicken is moderately priced as a familiar, standard menu item, while General Tso’s chicken commands a higher price.
Sesame chicken is arguably the more ubiquitous of the two dishes. But for those who enjoy spicy flavors, General Tso’s chicken is a tastier choice.
While both dishes can trace their origins back to Chinese immigrants in America reinventing Chinese cooking, sesame chicken first paved the way as a beloved Chinese-American classic, followed soon after by General Tso’s chicken.