The whole document must be the recipe.
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Craving Spicy Sesame Chicken? This Recipe is Easier Than You Think!
Are you ready to whip up a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with healthy vegetables, and surprisingly easy to make? This Spicy Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Shiitake Mushrooms is your answer! It’s a naturally delicious and impressive meal that’s perfect for weeknights or when you want to wow your friends and family. Forget takeout; this homemade version is so much better!
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s naturally bursting with flavor! The combination of spicy, savory, and umami notes will tantalize your taste buds.
- It’s quick and easy! From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- It’s naturally loaded with healthy ingredients! You get lean protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the green beans, and earthy goodness from the shiitake mushrooms.
- It’s incredibly versatile! You can easily adjust the spice level and swap out the vegetables to suit your preferences.
- It’s naturally impressive! This dish looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant, making it perfect for entertaining.
- It’s great for meal prep! Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a deep sesame flavor, while the quick stir-fry technique ensures that the vegetables remain crisp-tender. The addition of shiitake mushrooms brings an earthy depth that complements the spice perfectly. Many recipes overload on sauce, but this one focuses on highlighting the naturally vibrant tastes of the individual ingredients.
Also, the blend of naturally gluten-free ingredients makes it accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredient List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) in the fridge.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the green beans and shiitake mushrooms.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and slightly tender. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until they are softened and slightly browned.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until it is cooked through.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Return the green beans to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Optional Toppings/Variations
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Serve with steamed rice or quinoa.
- Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure that they brown properly.
- Use high heat to get a good sear on the chicken and keep the vegetables crisp.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred spice level. A little goes a long way!
- Marinating the chicken is essential for maximum flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before you add the chicken. This will help to prevent it from sticking and ensure that it gets a good sear.
- For even more flavor, try using toasted sesame oil.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I substitute the chicken with tofu? Absolutely! Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into bite-sized pieces and marinate as directed. Stir-fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together and add the sauce.
- How should I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Can I use frozen green beans? Fresh green beans are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before stir-frying.
- I don’t have rice vinegar. What can I use as a substitute? You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.
- Can I add nuts? Yes, cashews or peanuts would be a great addition. Toss them in during the last minute of cooking to keep them crunchy.
Variations and Customization Options
Want to tweak this recipe to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:
- Make it sweeter: Add an extra tablespoon of honey to the sauce.
- Make it nuttier: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
- Add different vegetables: Try adding broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Make it a noodle dish: Serve over your favorite noodles, such as udon or soba.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken with Green Beans and Shiitake Mushrooms is delicious served over steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it as a main course with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad. For a more complete meal, try adding a side of egg rolls or spring rolls. It’s also fantastic as a filling for lettuce wraps. Enjoy!
Get Cooking!
Ready to experience the naturally delicious flavors of this Spicy Stir-Fried Sesame Chicken? It’s an easy and rewarding recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t wait – give it a try , and share your culinary creations with us!
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