Jake Harper
General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken are two popular Chinese dishes that are commonly found in restaurants and takeaways throughout the US and Canada. Both dishes are made with bite-sized chicken breast pieces that are deep-fried and coated in a sticky sauce. However, General Tso's chicken is known for its spicy kick from chilli peppers, while sesame chicken is sweeter and milder, with a honey glaze and nutty undertones from sesame seeds. The difference in taste between the two dishes ultimately comes down to personal preference, with some people favouring the spicy notes of General Tso's chicken and others preferring the sweeter profile of sesame chicken.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | General Tso's chicken is spicy, while sesame chicken is sweeter with nutty undertones. |
| Texture | General Tso's chicken is stir-fried, while sesame chicken is crispy fried chicken. |
| Ingredients | General Tso's chicken contains chilli peppers, ginger, and garlic. Sesame chicken contains sesame seeds, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and garlic. |
| Nutritional Information | Sesame chicken provides 293 calories per 100g serving, while General Tso's provides 295 calories. Sesame chicken is richer in protein, magnesium, selenium, copper, and vitamins B1, A, E, B3, B2, B6, and B12. General Tso's chicken is higher in fat, iron, and zinc. |
| Availability | Both dishes are available in Chinese restaurants throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Europe. |
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Nutritional value
General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken have similar macronutrient compositions because chicken is the main ingredient in both dishes. The nutritional differences are made up for by the coating. Sesame chicken provides 293 calories per 100g serving, while General Tso's chicken provides 295 calories for the same quantity. An average order of sesame chicken (547g) provides 1603 calories, whereas an average order of General Tso's chicken (535g) contains 1580 calories. Sesame chicken is richer in protein by about 1.5g per 100g serving. The protein in both dishes is of high quality, and one order covers the daily value of all essential amino acids. General Tso's chicken has a higher quantity of essential amino acids. General Tso's chicken has more fat, with 16.36g per 100g serving compared to sesame chicken's 14.25g. Sesame chicken has a higher cholesterol content, with 59mg compared to General Tso's 53mg. Both dishes have nearly equal amounts of unsaturated and saturated fat.
Both dishes are excellent sources of B-complex vitamins, with almost equal amounts. However, sesame chicken is slightly higher in vitamins B1, A, E, B3 (niacin), B2, B6, and vitamin B12. General Tso's chicken is higher in iron and zinc, while sesame chicken is richer in magnesium, selenium, and copper. Both dishes are high in salt, but General Tso's chicken has slightly less sodium, with 435mg per 100g serving compared to sesame chicken's 482mg. Sesame chicken has a slightly higher acidity level, with a PRAL of 6.8 compared to General Tso's chicken's PRAL of 6.2. The glycemic indices of both dishes are about 46, similar to chicken nuggets.
General Tso's chicken is known for its spicy kick, while sesame chicken is sweeter and has nutty undertones. The key to General Tso's chicken is the sticky sweet tangy glaze that coats the fried chicken. Sesame chicken's sauce is usually made with a sweet honey glaze and includes sesame seeds. The spices in General Tso's chicken include hot chilli pepper flakes or powder, and fresh chillies, while sesame chicken tends to be milder, with light undertones of garlic and ginger.
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Taste and texture
When it comes to taste and texture, both General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken are popular Chinese dishes with some similarities and distinct differences.
General Tso's chicken is known for its spicy kick, with hot chilli pepper flakes, powder, or fresh chillies as a key ingredient, along with ginger and garlic. The spice level of this dish can be adapted to suit different preferences, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a range of spiciness in their food. The chicken is typically cut into bite-sized chunks, fried until crispy and golden brown, and coated in a sticky-sweet tangy glaze, resulting in a stir-fry-like texture. General Tso's chicken has a higher fat content, with about 2g more per 100g serving than sesame chicken. It also tends to have a slightly lower cholesterol content and sodium content.
On the other hand, sesame chicken tends to be milder in spices, with light undertones of garlic and ginger. The focus of the flavour is the sweet honey glaze, often made with sesame seeds, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and garlic. This dish also features bite-sized pieces of deep-fried chicken breast coated in the sticky sauce. Sesame chicken is recommended for those who prefer a sweeter flavour profile and crispy fried chicken texture. It is also a good choice for those seeking a slightly higher protein content, with about 1.5g more protein per 100g serving than General Tso's chicken. Sesame chicken is also slightly richer in certain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, A, E, and B3, as well as magnesium, selenium, and copper.
While both dishes have their unique characteristics, the key differences lie in the spice levels and the type of sauce used. General Tso's chicken caters to those who enjoy spicy food, while sesame chicken is ideal for those who prefer a sweeter, milder option. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to individual preferences for spice and sweetness in their chicken dishes.
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Calories
Sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken are both Chinese dishes that are popular in North America. They are quite similar, as they are both made with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast that are deep-fried and coated in a sticky sauce. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes, including their calorie content.
Sesame chicken is a mildly spiced dish that originates from the southern Chinese region of Guangdong. The spices used in this dish are typically of the milder variety, with light undertones of garlic and ginger. The majority of the flavour comes from the sweet honey sauce mixture, which includes sesame seeds, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and garlic. Sesame chicken provides 293 calories per 100g serving, and one average order (547g) provides 1603 calories.
General Tso's chicken, on the other hand, is a spicier dish that is popular in Chinese restaurants and takeaways throughout the US and Canada. The key to this dish is the irresistible sticky sweet tangy glaze that coats the fried chicken. The spices play a key part in the flavour profile, with ingredients like hot chilli pepper flakes or powder, ginger, and garlic. The heat of General Tso's chicken can be adapted to suit different preferences. This dish provides 295 calories per 100g serving, and one average order (535g) contains 1580 calories.
Overall, sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken have similar macronutrient compositions since chicken is the main ingredient in both. However, sesame chicken is slightly higher in protein, with 1.5g more per 100g serving than General Tso's chicken. It is also richer in magnesium, selenium, copper, and cholesterol, while General Tso's chicken is higher in iron, zinc, and essential amino acids. General Tso's chicken is also higher in fat, with 16.36g per 100g serving compared to 14.25g in sesame chicken.
Both dishes are excellent sources of B-complex vitamins, with nearly equal amounts. However, sesame chicken is slightly higher in vitamins B1, A, E, and B3 (niacin), B2, B6, and vitamin B12. They also have similar mineral compositions, but sesame chicken has a slightly higher acidity level (PRAL of 6.8) compared to General Tso's chicken (PRAL of 6.2).
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Vitamins and minerals
While General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken are both sources of vitamins and minerals, they differ in their specific vitamin and mineral compositions. Sesame chicken is a good source of vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin B3, and choline. In contrast, General Tso's chicken contains higher levels of vitamin K, polyunsaturated fat, and has a lower sugar content.
Sesame chicken's vitamin B2 content contributes to energy production and the maintenance of healthy skin, while vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and cell growth. Vitamin B3 in sesame chicken aids in metabolism and nervous system health, and choline is essential for liver function and brain health.
On the other hand, General Tso's chicken provides a good amount of vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Its polyunsaturated fat content may offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation, and the lower sugar content may be preferable for those managing their sugar intake.
Both dishes are high in sodium, saturated fat, net carbs, and overall calories, which may negatively impact health, especially for those with specific dietary restrictions or health concerns. The deep-frying process and high-fat content of both dishes contribute to their potential negative health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
To enhance the nutritional profile of either dish, it is recommended to pair them with vegetables such as broccoli and carrots, which provide additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moderation and balancing the meal with healthier sides can make consuming these dishes slightly healthier.
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Spice level
When it comes to spice levels, General Tso's chicken and sesame chicken differ. General Tso's chicken is known for its spicy kick, with hot chilli pepper flakes, powder, or fresh chillies as a key ingredient. The heat can be adapted to suit individual preferences, with the amount and strength of chilli varied accordingly. On the other hand, sesame chicken is characterised by milder spices, with light undertones of garlic and ginger, and a focus on the sweet honey sauce.
The spice level of General Tso's chicken is a defining feature, and those who prefer a milder flavour may find it too spicy. The dish's spiciness is often mentioned as a notable characteristic, and it is recognised as having more of a kick than sesame chicken.
Sesame chicken, in contrast, is known for its sweeter profile. While it does contain some spices, they tend to be milder, and the dominant flavour is the sweet honey glaze. The sauce is a key component of sesame chicken, and its sweetness sets it apart from General Tso's chicken.
The difference in spice levels between the two dishes is quite distinct, with General Tso's chicken catering to those who enjoy spicy food, while sesame chicken is a better option for those who prefer milder flavours. The heat of the chillies in General Tso's chicken can be customised, so it is possible to adjust the spice level to suit individual tastes. However, the overall spice profile of sesame chicken is generally milder, with a focus on sweetness rather than heat.
While both dishes have their own unique spice profiles, it is important to note that spice tolerance varies from person to person, and individual preferences may play a role in determining which dish is considered better in terms of spice level.
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Frequently asked questions
General Tso's chicken is spicier, while sesame chicken is sweeter and milder. Sesame chicken also contains sesame seeds, which give it nutty undertones.
Both dishes are high in salt, but General Tso's chicken contains slightly less sodium. Sesame chicken is richer in vitamins B1, A, E, B3 (niacin), B2, B6, and vitamin B12, while General Tso's chicken is higher in iron and zinc.
Both dishes are Chinese rice dishes that are popular in the US and Canada, and can be found in some European cities. Sesame chicken may have originated in the southern Chinese region of Guangdong, while General Tso's chicken does not have clear origins.
Yes, there are several other Chinese chicken dishes, including orange chicken, Szechwan (Sichuan) chilli chicken, chicken chop suey, Wenchang chicken, pineapple chicken, and chicken fried rice. Kung Pao chicken is also similar to General Tso's chicken, but it is an authentic Chinese dish that originated in the Sichuan province of southwest China.
