Discovering the Origins of Sesame Chicken and Its Singaporean Twist

Sesame chicken (mayouji) is a beloved dish known for its delectable combination of tender chicken and aromatic sesame flavour. This dish has captivated the taste buds of many, offering a delicious protein-filled meal that is absolutely packed with flavour. While its popularity spans across Chinese restaurants worldwide, the origins of sesame chicken and its unique Singaporean twist remain an intriguing culinary puzzle. Join us as we embark on a flavorful exploration, delving into the diverse history, preparation methods, and cultural influences that have shaped this mouthwatering dish.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Origins of Sesame Chicken

Sesame chicken, deeply rooted in Chinese cuisine, has been enjoyed for centuries, but its exact origins are shrouded in mystery. While it is widely associated with Chinese culinary traditions, tracing the precise lineage of sesame chicken within China itself proves challenging due to limited historical documentation.

To many, sesame chicken actually emerged in the United States, as Chinese immigrants settled there and sought to cater to the American palate. This adaptation gained popularity in Chinese-American restaurants, becoming one of the most popular forms of sesame chicken known today. As a result, many sesame chicken recipes feature battered and deep-fried chicken pieces coated in the delectable sweet and savoury sauce that we all know and love, garnished with sesame seeds. 

To prepare this rendition of sesame chicken, tender chicken pieces are marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sometimes rice wine or vinegar. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of cornstarch and sometimes flour and egg, creating a crispy texture when fried. Finally, the dish is adorned with toasted sesame seeds, imparting a fragrant and nutty flavour.

This American variation of sesame chicken is often enjoyed with a side of fried rice, with the savoury flavours of the fried rice combining with the crispy chicken and sesame seed garnish to create a harmonious concoction of food in your mouth.

You can also find this variation served with steamed broccoli, offering a simple and healthy side to complement the rich flavours of the sesame chicken. The vibrant green colour and slightly crisp texture of the broccoli help to add freshness and nutritional balance to this meal. 

The Singaporean Twist

In Singapore, renowned for its multicultural society, the evolution of sesame chicken reflects the vibrant culinary landscape. While the dish has Chinese origins, it has also been influenced by the various cultures in Singapore, including Malay, Indian, and Peranakan. Thus, the Singaporean twist on sesame chicken represents a fusion of flavours and culinary innovation rather than a direct lineage from a specific origin.

The Singaporean adaptation of sesame chicken is one that is similar to that of other East-Asian countries, incorporating local ingredients, spices, and sauces, resulting in a unique flavour profile that caters to the diverse Singaporean palate. 

In Singapore, it is almost impossible to find a sesame chicken dish without the use of fresh ginger. Often the ginger is cut into thin strips and is included in the meal because of the ancient Chinese belief that ginger and sesame oil help in nourishing and strengthening the body. In Singapore and Malaysia, it is often served to new mothers as many believe it is particularly helpful for their bodies, aiding in speeding up their recovery after childbirth. 

Singaporeans also make the dish in a variety of ways. Some make the dish with a lot of gravy, making the flavours a little lighter. However, others make the dish with little to no water, only using the water in the chicken, which gives the dish less gravy but some very intense flavours. 

Additionally, Singaporean variations will often include the use of Shaoxing wine or similar Asian substitutes, while American versions will often incorporate dry sherry. It is also more common for Singaporean versions to include oyster sauce and white pepper, as opposed to their popular American counterparts. 

The most common side of sesame chicken in Singapore would have to be steamed rice. The simplicity of the rice allows the flavours of the chicken to shine, providing a neutral base for the savoury and nutty notes of the dish. 

In Singapore and most East-Asian countries, this dish is also often paired with a medley of vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, carrots and snow peas. The vibrant colours and crisp textures of the vegetables complement the tender chicken adding freshness and balance to the plate. 

Find The Best Sesame Chicken in Singapore

While sesame chicken’s roots may be traced back to Chinese culinary traditions, acknowledging its Americanized adaptation and Singaporean fusion highlights the dynamic nature of culinary evolution. It is a testament to the influence of cultural exchanges and local preferences that have shaped this beloved dish. So, whether you savour the Americanized version or experience the unique Singaporean twist, sesame chicken continues to captivate taste buds around the world with its delightful combination of flavours and textures.

If you are craving some delicious sesame chicken in Singapore, come on down to LauWang Claypot! We are ready to give you all the flavours you are looking for and more with our signature claypot sesame chicken. 

Our sesame chicken in Singapore has everything you love about this dish and it’s all because we utilise claypot cooking! This is what gives your meal a delectably thick gravy, perfectly textured meats and an amalgamation of the best flavours—just ask our customers! 

And our menu doesn’t just stop at sesame chicken! We have a variety of offerings that will give you the same feeling as some warm and comforting home-cooked food. From claypot liver and kidney and kungpao claypot frog to traditional nonya chap chye, we are here to give you the best food experience that will take you all the way back to your childhood!

Order a meal now!