Sesame Chicken Fried Rice
Try this Sesame Chicken Fried Rice recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Sesame Chicken Fried Rice recipe, or contribute your own.
- white pepper
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1-1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 6 packed cups chopped kale (~1 large bunch)
- 1-1/2 tablespoons high heat cooking oil like grapeseed or avocado
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (3/4lb) chopped into small pieces
- drizzle gluten-free tamari or soy sauce (dish will
- 1 shallot or 1/2 small onion minced
- 6 garlic cloves pressed or minced
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 1/4 cup low-sodium gluten-free tamari or soy sauce (dish w
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- scant tablespoon sesame oil
- Carbohydrate 0.742531563091745 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.002139375 g
- Fiber 0.017390625 g
- Protein 0.0771859375591745 g
- Saturated Fat 0.000643125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (14g)
- Sodium 0.308875000236698 mg
- Sugar 0.725140938091745 g
- Trans Fat 9.18750000000003E-05 g
- Calories 19 calories
Step-by-step
- Stir together sauce ingredients in a small bowl then set aside.
- Add rice plus 2-3/4 cup water to a small saucepan then turn heat to high to bring to a boil. Place a lid on top, turn heat down to medium-low, then simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat then let sit covered for 3 minutes. Remove lid, fluff rice, then scoop onto a plate to cool and set aside. Can be done a day ahead of time.
- Fill a large wok 3/4 of the way full with water then bring to a boil. Add kale then simmer until tender but not mushy, 4-5 minutes. Drain then squeeze kale very dry with hands once cool enough to handle. Crumble kale into a bowl then set aside.
- Place wok back over high heat then, making sure there are no droplets of water inside, add oil. Once oil is very hot, add chicken thighs then spread into an even layer and let sear until golden brown on one side, 2 minutes. Add a drizzle of gluten-free tamari (or soy sauce if using,) a dash of white pepper, and shallots then continue to saute until chicken is cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic then saute, stirring constantly, until garlic is very fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute - be very careful not to burn the garlic!
- Add crumbled kale then toss to combine. Add cooked rice then toss to combine. Drizzle in sauce then turn heat off and toss to combine. Scoop into plates then top with toasted sesame seeds and serve.
My Go-To Sesame Chicken Fried Rice: A Busy Mom's Recipe
Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the household running smoothly, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal often feels like an impossible feat. But I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be! This Sesame Chicken Fried Rice is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. It's a meal that the whole family enjoys, and it’s flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients I have on hand. I often make a larger batch on the weekend and have leftovers for quick lunches during the week – talk about a time saver!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget elaborate techniques and fussy ingredients. This dish uses pantry staples and readily available produce, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors are vibrant and well-balanced – a delightful combination of savory chicken, tender kale, and fragrant sesame seeds. The sauce is the real star, a perfect blend of mirin, soy sauce, and maple syrup that adds a touch of sweetness and umami to the dish. The process itself is quick and efficient, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. It's a recipe that truly embodies the spirit of efficient, delicious home cooking.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or snow peas would all be delicious additions. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less white pepper. And if you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped vegetables to further speed up the cooking process. The point is, it’s your recipe now; make it your own and customize it to fit your needs. Ultimately, this recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious home cooking is achievable even amidst the chaos of everyday life. It’s a simple recipe that brings comfort and joy to our family table, and it’s become a weekly staple in our house.
Ingredients you'll love: The list of ingredients is short and sweet. I specifically chose ingredients that were not only flavorful but also widely accessible. High-heat cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed is crucial for getting that perfectly seared chicken. The kale provides a healthy dose of greens, and the sesame seeds add a wonderful nutty crunch. The mirin and maple syrup balance the savory soy sauce for a truly delectable sauce.
Tips for success: The key to perfect Sesame Chicken Fried Rice is all about getting the right balance of textures and flavors. Making sure your rice is perfectly cooked is essential. Don't overcook it, or it will become mushy. Also, make sure you press as much water as possible out of the kale to avoid a soggy dish. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or add-ins to create your own unique variation of this recipe.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and healthy meal, give this Sesame Chicken Fried Rice a try. It’s a quick, easy, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It's a recipe that proves that even amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, we can still create simple, wholesome, and truly delicious meals that bring our families together.
