Sesame Chicken & Moo Goo Gai Pan

Sesame Chicken & Moo Goo Gai Pan: A Delicious Duo

Both Sesame Chicken and Moo Goo Gai Pan are beloved Chinese-American takeout staples, but what exactly are they, and how do they differ?

Sesame Chicken:

This dish features crispy battered chicken pieces covered in a glossy, savory sauce made with:

Sesame seeds

Soy sauce

Oyster sauce (sometimes)

Cornstarch slurry

Garlic, ginger, and chili sauce (for flavor)

The chicken is typically tossed with sesame seeds before serving, resulting in a distinct nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Moo Goo Gai Pan:

This dish is a thick, savory sauce with a variety of ingredients like:

Egg whites

Garlic, ginger, and orange peel (for flavor)

Mushrooms, water chestnuts, green onions, and often other vegetables like broccoli or carrots

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce

The sauce is often referred to as "gravy" and is used to coat steamed white rice.

Similarities:

While different in presentation, both dishes share:

A sweet and savory flavor profile
Both rely on soy sauce, oyster sauce, and various spices for their distinct umami notes.

Richness and texture
Both dishes are known for their thickened sauces with a glossy sheen, providing a satisfyingly comforting experience.

A versatile base
Both can be used as dipping sauces for other dishes or as a complete meal with rice or noodles.

Differences:

Flavor intensity
Sesame Chicken is often slightly spicy due to the chili sauce, while Moo Goo Gai Pan has a more subtle flavor overall.

Texture
Sesame Chicken features crispy chicken, while Moo Goo Gai Pan is sauce-based with softer and more tender ingredients.

How to choose:

Ultimately, the best dish depends on your taste. If you crave a slight spice and crunchy textures, Sesame Chicken is perfect. If you prefer a milder, sauce-laden experience with diverse textures, choose Moo Goo Gai Pan.

Additional notes:

Both dishes are commonly found on the menus of American Chinese restaurants.

There are many variations of both dishes with different ingredients and flavors depending on the restaurant.

Some restaurants offer combination plates with both Sesame Chicken and Moo Goo Gai Pan.

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