What To Know
- While enjoying it at the restaurant is a treat, recreating the iconic sauce at home is easier than you think.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey and a bit of minced garlic.
TGI Friday’s sesame chicken is a beloved dish known for its crispy chicken and tangy sesame sauce. While enjoying it at the restaurant is a treat, recreating the iconic sauce at home is easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to make an authentic TGI sesame chicken sauce that will elevate your home-cooked meals.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make the perfect TGI sesame chicken sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Prepare the Sauce
1. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar, honey, and sesame oil.
2. Dissolve the Cornstarch: In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Heat the Wet Ingredients: Heat the wet ingredients mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Add the Cornstarch Slurry: Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Add Aromatics: Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
Tips for Perfection
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your sauce will depend on the quality of the ingredients you use. Opt for good-quality soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, whisk in additional cornstarch dissolved in water. If it’s too thick, add a little more water.
- Serve Immediately: The sauce is best when served hot.
Variations
- Honey Garlic Sauce: For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey and a bit of minced garlic.
- Spicy Sesame Sauce: Add a dash of Sriracha or sambal oelek for a spicy kick.
- Peanut Sesame Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for a creamy and nutty flavor.
How to Use the Sauce
- Sesame Chicken: Toss crispy fried chicken in the sauce for a classic TGI Friday’s experience.
- Stir-Fries: Add the sauce to your favorite stir-fry for a flavorful twist.
- Marinades: Use the sauce as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu before grilling or roasting.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve the sauce alongside egg rolls, spring rolls, or other appetizers.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it over low heat before serving.
Q: How do I adjust the sauce for different tastes?
A: The sauce can be made sweeter by adding more honey or brown sugar. For a saltier sauce, add more soy sauce. For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha.
Q: What can I use instead of cornstarch?
A: You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as substitutes for cornstarch.
