Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl with Sriracha
Try this Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl with Sriracha recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl with Sriracha recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 scallions
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 teaspoons honey
- for the rest:
- for the chicken and marinade:
- 1/4 teaspoon sriracha or pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds to garnish
- 1 boneless chicken breast sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 †piece of ginger
- 1 bunch of bok choy
- Carbohydrate 24.797800020552 g
- Cholesterol 68.44 mg
- Fat 8.74030000635829 g
- Fiber 6.73656253410674 g
- Protein 36.7014937622252 g
- Saturated Fat 1.43908000089353 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (606g)
- Sodium 152.671536488449 mg
- Sugar 18.0612374864453 g
- Trans Fat 1.02294500071039 g
- Calories 306 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk together all the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.
- Add the chicken strips to a zip-tight plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Shake the bag to toss and place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, spiralize the zucchinis using Blade D, mince the ginger and garlic and dice the scallions, separating the white and green parts. Also, chop the ends off of the bok choy and discard.
- Once chicken is done marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and then add in the chicken with marinade and white parts of the scallions and season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and then rinse the skillet under cold water until cool.
- Put the skillet back over medium heat and add in the sesame oil. Once oil heats, add in the ginger, garlic and let cook for 10 seconds or until fragrant. Then, add in the bok choy. Season with salt, pepper, cover and cook for 5 minutes or until bok choy is wilted and cooked through, slightly seared and brown.
- Transfer the bok choy to a plate and immediately add in the zucchini noodles, cooking for 3-5 minutes or until al dente.
- Once noodles are cooked, toss in the chicken with juices and toss for another minute to heat up the chicken.
- Divide the chicken and zucchini noodles into bowls and top with bok choy. Garnish with sesame seeds and green parts of the scallions.
My Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner: Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've developed a passion for quick, easy, and nutritious recipes that don't compromise on flavor. This Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl is a perfect example – it's on the table in under 30 minutes and is packed with flavor and nutrients.
The inspiration for this dish came from a recent trip to a local Asian market. I was overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and fresh produce, and I knew I had to create something that showcased these ingredients. The zucchini noodles provide a light and refreshing base, while the bok choy adds a delightful crunch. The chicken, marinated in a savory teriyaki-inspired sauce, is juicy and tender. And let's not forget the sriracha – a touch of heat that elevates the entire dish. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it's always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Magic of Marinades: The secret to incredibly tender and flavorful chicken is all in the marinade. I typically marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but longer is always better. While the chicken is marinating, I prep all the other ingredients – this makes the cooking process super efficient. This recipe is a testament to how much flavor you can pack into a quick meal with minimal effort. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, too, which is an added bonus when trying to inspire my family to eat healthy.
Zucchini Noodles: One of my favorite healthy swaps is replacing traditional pasta with zucchini noodles. They're low in carbohydrates and calories, making them a perfect choice for a lighter meal. You can easily spiralize zucchini using a spiralizer or even a vegetable peeler for a quick and easy way to create noodle-like strands. I find that the texture is best when cooked just until tender-crisp – not mushy.
Bok Choy Bliss: The bok choy in this recipe adds a fantastic textural element and a slightly sweet and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken. I like to slightly sear the bok choy to get some nice caramelization. This adds depth and complexity to the dish.
The Finishing Touches: The sesame seeds and scallions provide a wonderful aromatic finish and a pop of color and freshness to the dish. The sesame oil adds a nutty richness that ties everything together.
This Sesame Chicken and Bok Choy Zucchini Noodle Bowl is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and quick meals are absolutely achievable, even on the busiest of days. So next time you're looking for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that doesn't require hours of preparation, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Get creative with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial dish.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
