Discover the Surprising Truth: Does Sesame Chicken Contain Eggs?

Sesame chicken, a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and savory sauce. However, for individuals with egg allergies, the question of whether this dish contains eggs is paramount.

Ingredients and Egg Content

Traditional sesame chicken recipes typically include a batter made with flour, cornstarch, and eggs. The eggs serve as a binder, providing structure and texture to the crispy coating. However, some variations of sesame chicken may omit eggs entirely, using alternative ingredients such as milk or buttermilk for binding.

Identifying Egg-Free Sesame Chicken

To ensure that sesame chicken is egg-free, it is crucial to carefully read the ingredient list or inquire at the restaurant. Here are some telltale signs that a dish contains eggs:

• Egg: The ingredient list explicitly mentions “egg” or “egg white.”
• Egg powder: This ingredient is a dried form of egg and may be listed as “egg powder” or “dried egg.”
• Egg yolk: This component of the egg is sometimes used as a thickening agent and may be listed as “egg yolk” or “egg yolk powder.”

Restaurants and Egg-Free Options

Many restaurants offer egg-free sesame chicken options to cater to individuals with allergies. Here are some popular restaurant chains that provide egg-free sesame chicken:

• Panda Express: Their sesame chicken is typically egg-free and certified by the National Restaurant Association’s Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).
• P.F. Chang’s: Their sesame chicken does not contain eggs.
• Pei Wei: Their sesame chicken is made with a gluten-free batter that does not include eggs.

Home-Cooked Egg-Free Sesame Chicken

For those who prefer to prepare sesame chicken at home, there are several egg-free recipes available. These recipes typically use alternative binding agents such as:

• Milk: Milk can be used to create a batter that provides similar texture and crispiness to eggs.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk, with its slightly acidic nature, can also act as a binder and tenderizer.
• Gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour blends, such as those made from rice or almond flour, can be used in conjunction with other binding agents to create a crispy coating.

Other Considerations

In addition to the presence of eggs, individuals with allergies should also be aware of other potential allergens in sesame chicken, such as:

• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are the main ingredient in the dish and can trigger allergies in some individuals.
• Wheat: The batter may contain wheat flour, which can cause reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Soy: Soy sauce is often used to flavor the sauce and can be an allergen for some.

When in Doubt, Ask

If you are unsure whether sesame chicken contains eggs, the best course of action is to ask the restaurant or check the ingredient list carefully. It is always better to err on the side of caution to avoid potential allergic reactions.

Egg-Free Sesame Chicken: A Delight for All

For individuals with egg allergies, the availability of egg-free sesame chicken options allows them to enjoy this savory dish without compromising their health. By carefully reading ingredient lists, inquiring at restaurants, or preparing their own egg-free versions, they can savor the delectable flavors of sesame chicken without worry.

Questions You May Have

1. How can I tell if sesame chicken contains eggs?
Check the ingredient list for “egg,” “egg powder,” or “egg yolk.”
2. Which restaurants offer egg-free sesame chicken?
Panda Express, P.F. Chang’s, and Pei Wei offer egg-free sesame chicken options.
3. Can I make egg-free sesame chicken at home?
Yes, there are several egg-free recipes available that use alternative binding agents such as milk, buttermilk, or gluten-free flour.
4. What other allergens should I be aware of in sesame chicken?
Sesame seeds, wheat, and soy can be potential allergens in sesame chicken.
5. What should I do if I have an egg allergy and want to eat sesame chicken?
Always ask the restaurant or check the ingredient list to ensure that the sesame chicken is egg-free. If you are unsure, it is best to avoid the dish.