Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce
Sesame sauce using the juices from cooked chicken is so easy to prepare. This style of dressing with sesame, gomadare, is very common in Japanese cooking and is used for both meat and vegetables. This particular chicken dish makes a lovely appetizer, but it also goes very well with cold noodles.
Sesame sauce using the juices from cooked chicken is so easy to prepare. This style of dressing with sesame, gomadare, is very common in Japanese cooking and is used for both meat and vegetables. This particular chicken dish makes a lovely appetizer, but it also goes very well with cold noodles.
- Carbohydrate 18 g(6%)
- Cholesterol 76 mg(25%)
- Fat 20 g(31%)
- Fiber 3 g(11%)
- Protein 18 g(36%)
- Saturated Fat 5 g(23%)
- Sodium 532 mg(22%)
- Calories 323
Step-by-step
- Finely chop the green onion diagonally, reserving the green part for use during cooking the chicken. Soak in cold water for a few minutes to remove the bitterness of the onion, then drain and put aside to use later.
- On a chopping board, sprinkle the cucumbers with a few pinches of salt, rubbing it into the flesh, then rinse. This lessens the aroma of the cucumber and gives it a good green color. Hit the cucumbers with a pestle (if you don't have a pestle, use a bottle) and break it apart with your hands, to make uneven pieces.
- Pierce the chicken pieces with a skewer and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and oil and then place the green part of the green onion and the crushed ginger on top. Cover and microwave on medium for 4 minutes, or until cooked. Leave to cool. Keep the juice from the chicken to use in the sesame sauce.
- Shred the chicken with your hands and place in a serving dish. Mix in the cucumber and put the chopped green onion on top.
- Mix all the ingredients for the sesame sauce in a small bowl and pour over the chicken and cucumber.
A Simple Japanese Delight: Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant juggling act. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to keep everyone fed and happy. That's why I've come to rely on recipes that are not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavour. This Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce is one such recipe – a true lifesaver on those hectic evenings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, yet delivers a complex and satisfying taste experience. The tender, steamed chicken, combined with the refreshing crunch of the cucumber and the rich, nutty sesame sauce, creates a perfect balance of textures and flavours. It's a dish that is equally at home as a light lunch, a vibrant appetizer, or even a satisfying dinner paired with some simple brown rice.
The magic is in the sesame sauce. The recipe cleverly utilizes the juices released during the steaming process, adding an extra layer of depth and richness to the sauce. This simple technique transforms a basic dressing into something truly special. You’ll be amazed at how much flavour you can pack into such a small amount of sauce!
I often double this recipe, making enough for leftovers for lunch the next day. It travels incredibly well, making it perfect for packing in your lunchbox or taking to picnics and potlucks. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a bit, making those leftovers even better!
Beyond its practicality, this dish also offers a healthy and nutritious option for the whole family. Lean chicken provides a good source of protein, while cucumbers offer essential vitamins and hydration. The sesame sauce adds a touch of healthy fats and a delightful nutty flavor. It's a guilt-free pleasure that satisfies your taste buds without weighing you down.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. With minimal effort, you can create a truly delicious and nutritious meal that your family will love. So, next time you're short on time but craving something flavourful and satisfying, try this Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce. You won’t regret it!
Beyond the Recipe: A Quick Reflection
For me, cooking is more than just preparing a meal; it's an act of love, a way to nourish not only my family's bodies but also their souls. It's a chance to connect with my heritage, experimenting with flavours and techniques passed down through generations. This simple Japanese dish is a perfect example – a quick and easy recipe that reflects a rich culinary tradition.
Simple dishes like this remind me of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the little things. The act of carefully chopping the vegetables, the subtle aroma of the steaming chicken, the satisfying blend of the sesame sauce – these are moments of mindfulness that enrich our daily lives. And in a world that’s often overwhelming, these small moments of peace and tranquility are invaluable.
I encourage you to try this recipe, and to find your own moments of joy in the kitchen. Whether it's the comforting ritual of preparing a meal or sharing a delicious dish with loved ones, food has a unique ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. So, embrace the simplicity, savor the flavours, and enjoy the journey of cooking!
