Sesame Dish Recipe
your choice of chicken or shrimp sauteed in our world class tangy, sweet sesame seed sauce
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Ingredients
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Protein
Sesame Sauce
Aromatics & Finish
Method
Protein
- 1
Prepare protein
Pat the chicken pieces or shrimp dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss the pieces with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until lightly coated; shake off any excess cornstarch. Let rest 5 minutes.
- 2
Sear protein
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and heat until shimmering. Working in a single layer (cook chicken in two batches if necessary), add the coated chicken pieces and sear 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving, then 2–3 minutes more, stirring, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). If using shrimp, sauté 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Transfer cooked protein to a plate and tent loosely with foil; leave any browned bits in the pan.
Sesame Sauce
- 3
Make sauce mixture
In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp hoisin, 1 tbsp dark brown sugar, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water. Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- 4
Thicken sauce
In a small cup, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Bring the skillet with the reserved browned bits back to medium heat, pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- 5
Finish sauce
Stir in 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and taste; adjust sweetness or acidity with up to 1 tsp additional honey or 1/2 tsp rice vinegar if desired.
Combine & Finish
- 6
Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them thoroughly in the sesame sauce. Cook together 1–2 minutes so the protein absorbs the sauce and everything is heated through.
- 7
Turn off the heat. Stir in sliced green onions (reserve a few for garnish) and sprinkle with a little extra sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if using. Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with the reserved green onion slices.