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Plate of spicy sesame chicken with rice and chopsticks.

Spicy Sesame Chicken with Broccoli

This spicy sesame chicken with broccoli is hearty, warming, and ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Dana Sandonato

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Vegetable steaming basket or steaming bag

Ingredients

  • 4 TBSP sesame oil
  • 1 TBSP freshly grated ginger
  • 8 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
  • 1 bunch of scallions (about 6-8 of them), cut into 1-inch pieces (green and white parts)
  • 4-6 dried red chiles (or 1-2 tsp of red chile flakes) Adapt this with your heat preference in mind.
  • 1/2 cup lightly salted whole roasted cashews
  • 6 boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
  • 1/3 cup rice wine or pale dry sherry
  • 3 TBSP dark soy sauce
  • 2 TBSP raw liquid honey
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 2 cups fresh torn basil leaves You can also use cilantro, or a combination of the two.
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Cooked rice, for serving I like to use jasmine or basmati
  • toasted sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

  • Cook rice as per directions on package; set aside once ready.
  • Steam the broccoli; set aside once ready. (See notes)
  • While the rice and broccoli cook, heat a large skillet over high heat. Once it's hot enough, which should take about 2 minutes, add 2 TBSP of the sesame oil. Swirl it around the pan to coat.
  • Add the ginger, garlic, scallions, and chiles, and stir immediately to prevent the garlic from burning. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and golden at the edges, stirring often. It's important to keep the garlic moving to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
  • Add the rest of the sesame oil to the pan as well as the cashews and the chicken. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the chicken, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken starts to brown, stirring occasionally. If the cashews seem to be browning to quickly, reduce the heat.
  • Lower the heat to medium and add the rice wine, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer until the sauce reduces into a thicker consistency and the chicken is cooked through. This should only take another 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the steamed broccoli and torn basil; garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Notes

For an extra punch of rich sesame flavor, add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to the skillet, if you have some handy, and toss to coat.

Steamed Broccoli

If using prepackaged frozen broccoli that's in a steamable bag, prepare it as per the instructions on the packaging.
If using freshly cut florets, bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a pot. Place your steaming basket over the pot and transfer the broccoli florets to the basket. Cover, and let them steam for 5-6 minutes or until tender enough to poke with your fork, but still offering a crunch. Don't oversteam them, or they will be mushy.