Sesame beef is a beloved Chinese takeout dish that has become a staple on menus across America. It features tender strips of beef coated in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce, all brought together by the nutty crunch of toasted sesame seeds This dish may seem simple, but there’s more to sesame beef than meets the eye
A Brief History of Sesame Beef
Despite its popularity on Chinese takeout menus sesame beef is actually an American creation not an authentic Chinese dish. Its origins can be traced back to the 1950s-1960s when Chinese restaurants began modifying their menus to cater to American tastes. The combination of crispy beef with a sweet sauce coated in sesame seeds proved to be a big hit. Over the years, sesame beef has evolved into the classic takeout dish we know and love today.
While not technically a traditional Chinese recipe, sesame beef does draw inspiration from some Chinese cooking techniques and ingredients. The use of toasted sesame oil and seeds is common in Chinese cuisine. And velveting a technique that involves marinating meat in cornstarch and egg whites produces the tender texture of the beef. So while sesame beef has American roots, its preparation methods connect back to China.
The Anatomy of Sesame Beef
Despite some variations, sesame beef is pretty straightforward in terms of ingredients and preparation. Here’s what goes into making this takeout favorite:
Beef
Flank steak and sirloin are common cuts used, sliced thinly across the grain. This ensures tenderness. The beef is usually marinated briefly to impart flavor.
Batter & Frying
The beef is tossed in a cornstarch batter then fried briefly at high heat. This light coating crisps up the exterior.
Sauce
A sauce is made by combining broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and aromatics like garlic, ginger and sesame. It has a balanced sweet, salty, and tangy flavor.
Toasted Sesame Seeds
These are stirred in or used as garnish, adding nutty crunch and sesame flavor. Green onions are also common garnish.
While the ingredients are straightforward, properly preparing them is key. The high heat frying ensures a crispy texture, and the sauce should be reduced down to a syrupy glaze that clings to the beef. Getting the right crispness and sauce consistency is what takes sesame beef from good to great.
Regional Variations of Sesame Beef
Like many Chinese-American dishes, sesame beef can vary depending on the restaurant and region. Here are some of the more common variations:
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Sauce – Some versions are sweeter while others are more savory. Occasionally chiles or other spice are added.
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Batter – The beef may be velveted, dredged in cornstarch, flour, or a simple egg wash.
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Frying – While pan frying is most common, deep frying can also be used for an extra crispy texture.
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Beef – Flank steak is typical but sirloin, ribeye or tenderloin may also be used.
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Vegetable – Onions, peppers, broccoli or other veggies are sometimes cooked with or added to the dish.
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Chicken Sesame – Chicken is substituted for a lighter option.
So sesame beef isn’t always the same. Recipes vary based on chefs’ preferences and local tastes. Part of the fun is sampling different versions to find your favorite take on this Chinese restaurant classic!
Tips for Making the Best Sesame Beef at Home
While sesame beef seems simple, it can be tricky to get the perfect balance of flavors and textures at home. Here are some helpful tips:
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Cut beef thin – Slice flank steak across the grain and as thinly as possible. This makes it tender and easy to chew.
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Marinate briefly – 10-15 minutes in a bit of oil, soy sauce, cornstarch, and/or egg white softens the beef.
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Use high heat – Get the wok or pan very hot before adding beef so it sears and crisps.
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Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding so beef browns evenly.
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Let beef rest – After frying, set beef aside so exterior stays crispy as sauce reduces.
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Reduce sauce – Cook until syrupy to properly coat beef. Add sesame seeds at the end.
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Use lots of sesame – Don’t be shy with the garnish! Sesame seeds provide essential flavor and crunch.
Follow these tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality sesame beef in no time!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Here are some ideas for how to serve and what to pair with sesame beef:
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Serve over steamed jasmine rice. Rice soaks up the tasty sauce!
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Add a side of steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, Bok choy or spinach.
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Pair it with pork or chicken egg rolls for a complete Chinese takeout meal.
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Fried rice or lo mein noodles also pair nicely.
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Enjoy with beers like Tsingtao, Sapporo or Budweiser which complement the savory flavors.
Sesame beef is a versatile dish for constructing a satisfying Chinese-inspired dinner. Combining it with rice, veggies and other sides results in a flavorful, balanced meal that feels like a takeout treat!
Healthier Sesame Beef Options
While typically made with white rice and beef fried in oil, some easy modifications can make sesame beef a bit healthier:
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Use brown or cauliflower rice instead of white.
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Pan fry, bake or broil the beef instead of deep frying.
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Coat beef in cornstarch, potato starch or egg whites instead of flour-based batter.
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Use leaner cuts like filet mignon, sirloin tip or 93% lean ground beef.
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Swap in chicken or tofu to reduce fat and calories.
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Steamed veggies like broccoli have fiber, nutrients and fewer calories than fried rice or lo mein.
With some simple substitutions, you can still enjoy the flavors of sesame beef while lightening it up a bit. Moderation is key so you can savor this restaurant favorite guilt-free.
Popular Variations from Chinese Restaurants
If you want to experience the diversity of sesame beef beyond the classic version, try one of these popular variations next time you visit a Chinese spot:
General Tso’s Sesame Beef
This combines the sweet spiciness of General Tso’s sauce with crispy sesame beef. Best of both worlds!
Sesame Shrimp or Chicken
Jumbo shrimp or chicken breasts are used for lighter versions. The sauce flavors pair well with the white meat.
Sesame Tofu or Eggplant
For vegetarians/vegans, tofu or eggplant stand in for the beef, absorbing all that yummy sauce.
Sesame Beef Chow Mein
Sesame beef is served atop a bed of crispy chow mein noodles for fun textures.
Sesame Beef with Broccoli
Because you can never have enough broccoli! The beef pairs well with the fresh, green veggie.
Spicy Sesame Beef
Spice-lovers can opt for sesame beef kicked up with chili paste or peppers. Open those sinuses up!
There are so many ways to enjoy sesame beef’s trademark flavors. Part of the joy of this dish is discovering new renditions and customizing it to your taste preferences.
Is Sesame Beef Gluten-Free?
Most traditional sesame beef recipes are not gluten-free because they utilize soy sauce, which contains wheat. However, a few simple ingredient swaps make it easy to make gluten-free sesame beef:
- Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce
- Choose cornstarch instead of flour for dredging the beef
- Select a gluten-free broth, like chicken or beef broth
- Use gluten-free oils without additives for frying
- Opt for gluten-free oyster sauce if using
Double check all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free. With these adjustments, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can enjoy this classic takeout dish.
Top Sesame Beef Recipes to Try at Home
Want to whip up some authentic-tasting sesame beef in your own kitchen? Here are some top-rated recipes:
Damn Delicious Crispy Sesame Beef
This recipe stays true to the takeout classic. It calls for flank steak cut thin, fried crispy in cornstarch with a simple soy/vinegar/ginger sauce.
Omnivore’s Cookbook Sesame Beef
This lighter, homestyle version pan fries instead of deep frying. Flank steak marinates in wine, soy, and cornstarch for extra flavor and tenderness.
Beef Chow Fun with Sesame Beef
Chow fun noodles with sesame beef for an restaurant-worthy noodle dish. It’s saucy, savory perfection in one pan.
Baked Sesame Beef
A healthier baked version uses broccoli and brown rice. It has all the flavors but is lower in fat and calories.
Sesame Beef Lettuce Wraps
For keto/low carb diets, sesame beef is wrapped in lettuce instead of served with rice. Keeps those net carbs low!
With the right recipe, you can make restaurant-quality sesame beef at home any night of the week. Cook up a batch and see for yourself why this dish has become such a cherished part of the Chinese-American takeout experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about sesame beef:
What cut of beef is best for sesame beef?
Flank steak is the most popular choice because it’s relatively lean yet tender. Look for uniform thickness when purchasing. Sirloin also works well when sliced thinly against the grain.
Does sesame beef freeze well?
Yes! To freeze, cool fully then transfer beef and sauce to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh sesame seeds before serving.
Can you use chicken, pork, or shrimp instead of beef?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or shrimp would all work well with the marinade and sauce flavors. Adjust cook times as needed.
Is sesame beef spicy?
Most versions have only mild spice from ginger and pepper. Some restaurants add chili paste or pepper flakes for a spicier kick. Adjust spice levels to your taste.
What’s the difference between General Tso’s and sesame beef?
While both saucy beef dishes, General Tso’s has a sweet, sour and spicy sauce often thickened with cornstarch. Sesame beef features a more savory soy/sesame sauce without the chili spice.
Savor the Savory Sweetness
From its crispy yet tender beef coated in a crave-worthy sesame sauce to its crunchy sesame seed garnish, it’s easy to see why sesame beef has become such a favorite menu item and tasty treat. This Chinese-American classic brings together textures and flavors that prove hard to resist.
So the next time you have a hankering for takeout, consider whipping up a batch of sesame beef at home. Get it just right, and your family may start requesting you make it instead of ordering out! Either way, this versatile dish is sure deliver the satisfying sweet, savory, saucy flavors you crave.