Of course! Here is a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe for Sesame Ground Chicken. This dish is a weeknight hero—incredibly flavorful, ready in under 20 minutes, and perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or in lettuce cups.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Fast & Easy: From pan to plate in about 15 minutes.
· Incredibly Flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky with a nutty sesame finish.
· Versatile: Use it in bowls, wraps, lettuce cups, or more.
· Meal-Prep Friendly: Tastes great reheated for lunches throughout the week.
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Sesame Ground Chicken
This recipe yields 3-4 servings.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
· ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
· 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
· 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
· 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
· 2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
· 1 teaspoon cornstarch
· 2 tablespoons water
For the Chicken:
· 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
· 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (a mix of dark and light meat is best for flavor)
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
· 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
· 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
· Cooked jasmine or brown rice
· Lettuce leaves (for cups)
· Steamed broccoli or other veggies
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl or measuring cup,whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha. In a separate tiny bowl, stir the cornstarch and water together to create a “slurry.” This will prevent lumps and help thicken the sauce later. Set both aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
1. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
3. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and is starting to brown.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
1. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. In the empty space, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions.
2. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then, mix everything in the skillet together.
Step 4: Create the Glaze
1. Give the soy sauce mixture and the cornstarch slurry another quick whisk (the cornstarch may have settled).
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. It will start to bubble and thicken almost immediately thanks to the cornstarch.
4. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Stir in most of the green onion tops, reserving some for garnish.
3. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions.
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Serving Suggestions
· Over Rice: The classic! Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
· Lettuce Cups: Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
· In a Bowl: Create a nourishing bowl with rice, this chicken, and steamed veggies like broccoli, edamame, or shredded carrots.
· With Noodles: Toss it with cooked lo mein noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles.
Chef’s Tips & Variations
· Don’t Skip the Toast: Using toasted sesame oil is non-negotiable for that deep, nutty flavor. It’s a finishing oil, not a cooking oil, which is why we add it to the sauce off the heat.
· Control the Heat: For a mild dish, reduce or omit the sriracha. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
· Prevent Sticking: If your ground chicken is very lean, you might need an extra teaspoon of oil.
· Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground “meat.” Use maple syrup instead of honey.
· Add Veggies: Feel free to add finely diced bell peppers, carrots, or water chestnuts along with the garlic and ginger for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
· Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
· Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
· Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless homemade Sesame Ground Chicken