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Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure it’s Halal-certified)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening the sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 12 tablespoons water (as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: A lean protein, chicken is a great base for stir-fries and provides a satisfying bite while absorbing the delicious flavors of the sauce.
  • Green Beans: These provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the tender chicken and are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish, helping bring out the earthy essence of sesame and complementing the savory ingredients.
  • Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty and umami-rich flavor that’s perfect for stir fry, but ensure to use Halal-certified soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for Halal diets.
  • Ginger & Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add a burst of aromatic flavor, providing warmth and depth to the stir fry sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Green Beans:

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Prepare the Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you like your green beans tender, you can blanch them by boiling them for a couple of minutes and then shocking them in cold water to preserve their vibrant color.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Green Beans and Aromatics:

  1. Cook the Green Beans: In the same pan, add the sesame oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the green beans (or onions if using) and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until the beans are tender but still crisp. If the pan is too dry, you can add a splash of water.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pan, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and chili paste or red pepper flakes (if using). If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1-2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce mixture.
  2. Add the Sauce to the Pan: Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans and garlic-ginger mixture. Stir to combine.

Combine the Chicken and Serve:

 

  1. Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the sauce and green beans. Stir everything together to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the sauce. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Once the stir fry is ready, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition