Issue 406 — Will Eating Sesame Oil Chicken Cause a Failed Breath Alcohol Test?

Winter Tonic Dishes and Alcohol:

Can Sesame Oil Chicken Cause a Failed Breathalyzer Test?

During winter, many people enjoy tonic dishes that contain alcohol, such as sesame oil chicken, rice wine chicken, or lamb hot pot. From time to time, however, there are drivers who fail breath alcohol tests and claim they did not drink alcohol—only that they ate sesame oil chicken.

So, can sesame oil chicken really cause a breathalyzer result to exceed the legal limit? Does cooking completely evaporate alcohol?

Analysis 1 ⟫

Does Cooking Completely Evaporate the Alcohol in Sesame Oil Chicken?

Cooking can reduce alcohol content, but significant residues may still remain.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) , alcohol added to food does not fully evaporate, and the remaining alcohol depends on the cooking method and duration. The estimated alcohol retention rates are as follows:

• No cooking, left overnight: 70%
• Alcohol added to hot liquid and stirred: 85%
• Flambé (ignited): 75%
• Baked or simmered for 15 minutes: 40%
• Baked or simmered for 30 minutes: 35%
• Baked or simmered for 60 minutes: 25%
• Baked or simmered for 90 minutes: 20%
• Baked or simmered for 120 minutes: 10%
• Baked or simmered for 150 minutes: 5%

These data show that even after one hour of simmering, about 25% of the alcohol may still remain. Therefore, while cooking does reduce alcohol content, residual alcohol should not be overlooked.

Analysis 2 ⟫

Can Eating Sesame Oil Chicken Cause a Failed Breath Alcohol Test?

Summary 1 ⟫ Current Legal Standards for Alcohol Testing in Taiwan

There are two relevant legal frameworks governing alcohol testing:

• Administrative Penalty (Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act):
• Breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03% or higher.
• Criminal Liability (Offense of Dangerous Driving):
• Breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or BAC of 0.05% or higher.

Administrative regulations specify alcohol consumption or “similar substances,” while criminal law does not distinguish the source of alcohol—any alcohol level exceeding the threshold constitutes an offense.

Summary 2 ⟫ How Much Sesame Oil Chicken Could Cause an Excessive Alcohol Level?

Sesame oil chicken is typically prepared using rice wine, but recipes vary widely. Some use 100% rice wine, others a mixture of wine and water, and cooking times differ. Some dishes may be simmered for only 30 minutes. Homemade versions may even use higher-proof rice wine (rice wine head) for a stronger flavor.

Using the following assumptions:

• Regular red-label rice wine (approximately 20% alcohol)
• Cooked entirely with rice wine
• Simmered for 60 minutes

After cooking, approximately 25% of the alcohol remains, resulting in an alcohol concentration roughly equivalent to beer (about 5%).

According to data from Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation , for a 70 kg adult, consuming two cans of beer (about 660 ml) approaches the administrative penalty threshold. Individuals with lower body weight are even more likely to exceed the limit.

• Consuming 3–4 bowls may approach or exceed the administrative penalty threshold
• Consuming 5–6 bowls may approach or exceed the criminal liability threshold

Analysis 3 ⟫

Does Igniting the Dish Before Serving Significantly Reduce Alcohol Content?

Many people believe that igniting sesame oil chicken before serving can burn off most of the alcohol. According to USDA data, directly igniting alcohol poured onto food may reduce alcohol content by up to 85%.

However, this method involves alcohol being poured directly onto food and ignited, which is not the same as alcohol already mixed into a liquid-based dish like sesame oil chicken. In such cases, the alcohol reduction effect is likely much weaker.

Therefore, do not assume that igniting sesame oil chicken eliminates alcohol or prevents breathalyzer issues.

Conclusion ⟫

Some restaurants prepare sesame oil chicken using diluted rice wine or longer simmering times. However, others emphasize a strong wine aroma and may even add rice wine just before serving, significantly increasing residual alcohol content.

Given Taiwan’s zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving, it is strongly recommended to exercise caution. If you plan to drive, it is best to avoid or minimize consumption of sesame oil chicken broth.

Source:Learneating (好食課): https://views.learneating.com/nutrition/sesame-oil-chicken-alcohol/