Introduction: Sesame Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with crisp broccoli, all coated in a savory sesame sauce. This Chinese-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the nuttiness of sesame, creates a harmonious balance that will surely please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed, and stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the broccoli, and stir-fry for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok, pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli, and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for garnish.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
Important Points:
- To save time, you can prep the ingredients in advance, such as cutting the chicken and broccoli and mixing the sauce.
- Toasting sesame seeds enhances their flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until golden brown.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adjusting the honey and soy sauce proportions.
FAQs: Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before stir-frying to avoid excess water in the dish.
Q: What can I substitute for hoisin sauce? A: You can use oyster sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a touch of molasses as a hoisin sauce substitute.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and quickly stir-fry them together just before serving for a time-saving option.