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Savor the Legacy: Authentic Sesame Shrimp with Honey Mustard Sauce

Step into a world of classic Chinese culinary elegance with this exquisite recipe for Sesame Shrimp, perfectly paired with a vibrant Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a piece of history, originating from the legendary kitchen of Cecilia Chang (江孫芸). Revered as a true pioneer, Chang introduced America to the sophisticated flavors and authentic regional Mandarin-style Chinese cuisine through her iconic San Francisco establishment, The Mandarin Restaurant. Her visionary approach transformed the perception of Chinese food in the West, moving beyond simple takeout to showcase a rich, diverse, and refined culinary tradition.

Cecilia Chang’s influence on American dining cannot be overstated. With The Mandarin, she didn’t just open a restaurant; she opened a cultural gateway, allowing diners to experience the true depth and breadth of Mandarin cuisine. Her dedication to authenticity and quality set a new standard, inspiring countless chefs and captivating the palates of a discerning clientele. This particular Sesame Shrimp recipe stands as a testament to her enduring legacy, offering a glimpse into the magic that made her restaurants so beloved.

This cherished recipe is proudly reprinted with permission from “The Seventh Daughter: My Culinary Journey from Beijing to San Francisco by Cecilia Chiang,” published by Ten Speed Press (c) 2007. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Chinese cuisine and the remarkable life of its author.

The Enduring Appeal of Cecilia Chang’s Sesame Shrimp

Cecilia Chang herself recounted the immense popularity of this dish, noting, “Cocktail parties were a regular occurrence at The Mandarin in Beverly Hills, and these shrimp, along with our Pork Rubles in Sweet-and-Sour Sauce, were perennial best sellers. I had one chef who did nothing but fry shrimp, sometimes for hours. In fact, guests loved the shrimp so much that we eventually put them on the menu.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates the irresistible charm of these shrimp – a true crowd-pleaser that captivated diners from the very first bite.

What makes this Sesame Shrimp recipe truly exceptional, beyond its incredible taste, is its remarkable convenience for entertaining. As Chang also highlighted, “One of the nice things about this recipe, other than the fact that the shrimp are incredibly delicious, is that you can easily prepare them almost entirely ahead of time and do the final frying at the last minute.” This make-ahead capability is a game-changer for hosts, allowing you to enjoy your guests without being tethered to the kitchen. The recipe can also be easily scaled, doubled or even tripled, a wise decision given how quickly these delectable morsels tend to disappear from any platter. For those who prefer a different flavor profile, the versatility of this dish allows for pairing with a classic Sweet and Sour Sauce instead of the suggested Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sesame Shrimp Every Time

Achieving restaurant-quality Sesame Shrimp at home is entirely within reach with these expert tips. We’ve refined the original recipe with practical advice to ensure your success, from ingredient selection to frying techniques, making the cooking process as enjoyable as the eating experience.

Streamline Your Prep with Quality Shrimp: To significantly reduce your preparation time, opt for high-quality, raw shrimp that are already shelled and deveined. While not strictly essential for flavor, purchasing shrimp with the tails left on provides a convenient “handle” for guests, making it easier to dip into the delectable honey mustard sauce without getting messy. Aim for medium-sized shrimp, which cook evenly and offer the perfect bite.
Versatile Dipping Sauce Options: While this recipe features a super simple and incredibly delicious homemade Chinese Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce, don’t hesitate to explore other store-bought alternatives based on your preference or pantry availability. Classic sweet and sour sauce offers a tangy counterpoint, “duck sauce” provides a fruitier sweetness, and sweet Thai chili sauce (a personal favorite for its vibrant color and balanced sweetness without heat) can add an exciting twist. Each option brings its own unique character to complement the crispy shrimp.
Understanding Chinese Rice Wine: Chinese rice wine is often used in batters and marinades for its subtle flavor and tenderizing properties. If you don’t have Chinese rice wine on hand, a dry sherry makes an excellent substitute. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol or simply don’t have either ingredient, rest assured that you can omit it entirely without significantly compromising the dish’s delicious outcome. The other components of the batter will still ensure a crispy and flavorful coating.
Smart Sourcing for Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds can sometimes be surprisingly expensive when purchased from the spice aisle of conventional supermarkets. To save money without sacrificing quality, head to the “international” or “ethnic foods” section of your market. Often, in the Asian or Hispanic food aisles, you’ll find larger bags of sesame seeds at a fraction of the cost. If you have access to an Asian grocery store, it’s typically the best place to stock up, offering premium quality at budget-friendly prices. Both white and black sesame seeds can be used for visual appeal and a slight nutty flavor variation.
Optimizing Cooking Oil for Deep Frying: The original recipe for deep frying often called for a generous amount of oil. However, through careful experimentation, we’ve discovered that you can achieve the same perfectly golden and crisp results by cutting down the amount of cooking oil. This adjustment not only makes the dish slightly lighter but also reduces waste and makes cleanup easier. The key is to maintain the correct oil temperature (around 360°F or 180°C) and fry in small batches to prevent the temperature from dropping too much, ensuring each shrimp cooks quickly and crisply without becoming greasy. Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Sesame Shrimp Recipe with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Cecilia Chang’s legendary Mandarin Restaurant right to your kitchen. Perfectly crispy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully savory, these Sesame Shrimp are an ideal appetizer for any gathering or a delightful treat for a special meal. The homemade honey mustard sauce adds a creamy, tangy, and sweet finish that beautifully complements the delicate shrimp and toasted sesame seeds.

Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, with tails attached for presentation and easy handling
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups white sesame seeds, for a generous and even coating
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil, for added depth of flavor in the batter
2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry for a suitable substitute), optional but recommended for authentic flavor
2 large eggs, essential for binding the batter
1/2 cup cornstarch, for extra crispiness
1 teaspoon baking soda, to create a light and airy batter texture
3 tablespoons cooking oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil) for the batter, plus additional for deep frying
1 cup water, to achieve the perfect batter consistency

For the Chinese Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard, providing a sharp and tangy base
2 tablespoons honey, for natural sweetness and balance
2 tablespoons peanut oil, for smoothness and a subtle nutty flavor
2 tablespoons soy sauce, adding umami and savory depth

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chinese Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, peanut oil, and soy sauce until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired. Set the sauce aside, or refrigerate it if preparing ahead, until ready to serve with the freshly fried shrimp. This sauce can be made a day in advance.

2. Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for your breading station. In the first bowl, place exactly 1 cup of the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, which will hold your wet batter, whisk together the Asian sesame oil, Chinese rice wine (if using), eggs, cornstarch, baking soda, the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, the 3 tablespoons of cooking oil, and the 1 cup of water until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but thin enough to drip off slowly. In the third bowl, evenly spread the sesame seeds.

3. Preheat the Frying Oil: Heat a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed pot with about 2-3 inches of cooking oil over high heat. The ideal temperature for deep frying these shrimp is 360°F (180°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately. Proper oil temperature is crucial for crispy, non-greasy results.

4. Batter and Fry the Shrimp: Working in small batches of 4-5 shrimp at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot and dropping the oil temperature, proceed with the coating process. For each shrimp, hold it by the tail, first dip it completely into the flour in the first bowl, ensuring an even dusting. Next, dip the floured shrimp into the wet batter in the second bowl, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, thoroughly coat the battered shrimp in the sesame seeds in the third bowl, pressing gently to ensure the seeds adhere well.

Carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. The shrimp should be firm and opaque. Using a slotted spoon or spider, remove the fried shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness. Repeat the process with the remaining shrimp, ensuring the oil returns to 360°F between batches.

5. Serve Immediately: Arrange the hot, crispy Sesame Shrimp on a platter and serve them immediately with the prepared Chinese Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce on the side. These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, allowing you to experience their optimal crispiness and flavor.

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Explore More Authentic Chinese Dishes

If you’ve enjoyed the classic flavors of Cecilia Chang’s Sesame Shrimp, we invite you to explore other delightful Chinese recipes that promise to bring authentic tastes and culinary adventures to your kitchen. Expand your repertoire and impress your family and friends with these tested and loved dishes.

Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce – These super easy and always popular crispy shrimp spring rolls are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Their vibrant flavor and satisfying crunch make them perfect for appetizers or a light meal. Watch a video of us making these delightful Firecracker Shrimp to guide you through the process.

Steamed Spareribs in Black Bean Sauce – Transport your taste buds straight to a dim sum parlor with this savory and tender dish. Steamed spareribs in black bean sauce offer a rich, umami-packed experience that is both comforting and incredibly flavorful. Find a video tutorial here to master this dim sum classic.

**Word Count Check:**
Let’s estimate the word count.
The initial article was roughly 400-500 words.
I’ve significantly expanded:
– Introduction: ~150 words (was ~50)
– Legacy/Appeal: ~200 words (was ~100)
– Tips section: Expanded each point with more detail, adding about 50-70 words per point. 5 points * 60 words = ~300 words (was ~100)
– Recipe Introduction: Added a new paragraph (~50 words)
– Ingredients: Expanded descriptions slightly, added clarity.
– Instructions: Detailed each step more thoroughly, adding about 30-50 words per step. 5 steps * 40 words = ~200 words (was ~100)
– Conclusion/Related Dishes: Expanded descriptions for related dishes (~100 words).

Rough estimate:
Original core: ~400 words
New additions/expansions: ~150 (intro) + ~100 (legacy) + ~200 (tips) + ~50 (recipe intro) + ~100 (instructions) + ~50 (related dishes desc) = ~650 words.
Total: 400 + 650 = 1050 words.

This should comfortably meet the 900-word requirement.
The language is fluent, simple, and aims for SEO by naturally integrating keywords like “Sesame Shrimp,” “Honey Mustard Sauce,” “Cecilia Chang,” “Mandarin Restaurant,” “Chinese appetizer,” “authentic Chinese cuisine,” etc., in headings, paragraphs, and image alt texts. Repetitions have been minimized, and the HTML structure is maintained.