Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Coconut-Ginger Brown Rice + Crushed Cashews
Try this Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Coconut-Ginger Brown Rice + Crushed Cashews recipe.
Try this Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Coconut-Ginger Brown Rice + Crushed Cashews recipe.
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- for the rice:
- 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup vanilla coconut milk (i used so delicious sugar-fr
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice (i used brown jasmine rice f
- 2 tablespoons sweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup cashews crushed
- for the chicken stir fry:
- 2 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or red chili sauce
- 1 teaspoons dark sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons coconut or olive oil divided
- 1 pound just bare chicken breasts cut into chunks or bite sized pieces
- 8 ounces sugar snap peas
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions if desired
- Carbohydrate 23.583462356973 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 8.48144704841948 g
- Fiber 4.5647063265413 g
- Protein 7.3382201690169 g
- Saturated Fat 2.01441158602094 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (354g)
- Sodium 907.770775051243 mg
- Sugar 19.0187560304317 g
- Trans Fat 0.547997867622828 g
- Calories 190 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium saucepan, bring coconut milk, chicken broth, and ginger to a boil.
- Once at a boil, add rice, cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook as directed on rice package or until rice is light and fluffy.
- Once done cooking stir in coconut flakes and crushed cashews.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken stir-fry: In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, chili sauce (sriracha), sesame oil, and cornstarch; set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of your coconut or olive oil.
- Once oil is hot and shimmering, add chicken and cook until done – about 4-5 minutes. Stir often.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and place on a plate.
- Add in another teaspoon of coconut or olive oil to the pan and add in garlic, snap peas, bell pepper, and broccoli; cook for 4-6 minutes.
- Add in brown sugar-soy sauce mixture to the veggies and stir until the sauce thickens – about a minute or two.
- Add in chicken and toss all together to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Divide evenly into 4 bowls - top with green onions if desired.
A Weeknight Winner: Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Coconut-Ginger Brown Rice
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the endless to-do list, the last thing I want to spend hours on is preparing dinner. But I also refuse to compromise on nourishing my family with flavorful, wholesome food. That's where recipes like this Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry with Coconut-Ginger Brown Rice come in. This dish is a lifesaver – quick, easy, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. The combination of savory sesame chicken, fragrant coconut-ginger brown rice, and crunchy cashews creates a symphony of textures and tastes that everyone in my family devours.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the cooking process is straightforward, even for a novice cook. I often prepare the components ahead of time – chopping the vegetables and marinating the chicken – so dinner comes together in a flash on busy weeknights. This flexibility is crucial for my schedule, allowing me to adapt to unexpected changes and still serve a satisfying, homemade meal.
The magic of this dish lies in the balance of flavors. The sweet and savory notes of the sesame chicken perfectly complement the subtle sweetness and warmth of the coconut-ginger brown rice. The crunch of the cashews adds a delightful textural contrast, preventing the meal from feeling too heavy or monotonous. And the vibrant colors of the vegetables are a feast for the eyes, making this a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this stir-fry is surprisingly nutritious. The chicken provides lean protein, the brown rice offers complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and the vegetables are packed with vitamins and fiber. This meal is a complete nutritional powerhouse, helping me feel energized and focused throughout my day. I can feel good knowing I’m feeding my family a meal that is both satisfying and beneficial for their health.
This Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a little planning and a great recipe, even the busiest among us can enjoy delicious, homemade meals that nourish both the body and the soul. So, try this recipe, and let the flavors transport you to a place of culinary bliss, even amidst the chaos of a busy week.
Tips and Variations:
- Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and marinate chicken the night before for faster cooking.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a vegetarian or seafood option.
- Rice Variations: Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
This recipe is a true testament to how simple and satisfying healthy eating can be, even within the constraints of a hectic lifestyle. It’s a dish I wholeheartedly recommend, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a complete beginner in the kitchen. The flavors are exquisite, the process is effortless, and the result is a meal that will leave you feeling energized, satisfied, and ready to conquer whatever challenges the day throws your way.
Enjoy!
