Thai Kitchen Sesame Chicken

Source: Thai Kitchen, San Antonio, Texas - San Antonio Express-News

Sesame Sauce
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Yellow food coloring, as desired

Sesame Seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Chicken
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 cups thinly sliced chicken
Oil, for deep frying

Sesame Sauce: Combine water, vinegar, salt, sugar, soy sauce and yellow food coloring in a large pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes, until sugar has caramelized. Watch carefully to prevent mixture from boiling over. Set aside.

Sesame Seeds: Brown sesame seeds in skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Chicken: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken with flour mixture and shake off excess. Pour oil into a large pot to a depth of 3 inches. Heat oil to 350 degrees. Deep fry chicken until crisp and brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure chicken is submerged in oil. Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towels. Place in a large mixing bowl. Pour sesame sauce over chicken and mix well. Add sesame seeds, combine well. Transfer to serving platter.

Makes 4 servings.