Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken

Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the zesty citrus taste of oranges with the spicy kick of ginger and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Asian flavors, combining the sweet and sour taste of oranges with the warm and spicy flavor of ginger. The addition of sesame seeds adds a nutty crunch to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2-3 chicken breasts, cut into chicken tender-sized pieces
0.5 lemon
1 orange
0.5 peach
0.5 apricot
1 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp soy sauce
2 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp cider vinegar
0.5 cup brown sugar
a small handful of sesame seeds

How to prepare

Peel the fruit and slice it, removing any seeds from the lemon and orange.
Using a blender, blend the fruit until smooth. You can add more fruit and use the extra purée to make fruit smoothies. If you don't have a blender, you can buy these fruits already puréed as baby food.
Pour off any excess purée, leaving approximately one cup of liquid in the blender.
Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, ginger paste, cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the blender. Mix until well combined.
Using a knife, score the surfaces of the chicken pieces to increase their surface area.
Coat the bottom of a small dish or pan with oil. I recommend using a bread pan.
Place the chicken in the pan and pour half of the purée mixture over it. Turn the chicken pieces over by hand until they are thoroughly coated with the purée mixture. Bake covered at 425°F (218°C) for twenty minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and drain off any accumulated juice or water. Pour the remaining purée mixture over the chicken pieces, turning them to coat evenly. Bake uncovered for ten more minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven again. At this point, the sauce should have thickened considerably. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the chicken pieces and turn them to coat evenly. Bake uncovered for another ten minutes.
After a total of forty minutes of baking following the above steps, the dish should be finished and ready to serve.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or tofu for the chicken tender pieces.
Add diced bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for added texture and flavor.
Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to score the chicken pieces before marinating them to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use fresh oranges and ginger for the best flavor.

- Be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding the sesame seeds to ensure they stick to the chicken.

- Serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

- Marinating

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of cider vinegar.

- Use honey instead of brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the chicken in the purée mixture overnight for maximum flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 50% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and vitamin C, but it is also high in carbohydrates and fats. It is important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bright citrus taste of oranges with the warm spice of ginger and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my dear friend Lily over for lunch. Lily was always the adventurous one when it came to trying new dishes, and I was determined to impress her with my culinary skills.

I had been flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother when I stumbled upon a recipe for Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken. The combination of flavors intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need: chicken breasts, fresh oranges, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples. As I began to prepare the dish, I could already smell the fragrant aromas filling my kitchen.

The process was simple enough, but the real magic happened when I took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the tangy sweetness of the oranges, the spicy kick of the ginger, and the nuttiness of the sesame oil all came together in perfect harmony. I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire.

I couldn't wait to share this delicious dish with Lily. When she arrived, the aroma of the Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken greeted her at the door. Her eyes lit up as she took her first bite, and I could see that I had succeeded in impressing her.

From that day on, this recipe became a favorite among my family and friends. Each time I made it, I would tweak the ingredients slightly, adding a little more ginger here, a dash of orange zest there, until it was just right.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time bringing back memories of that first summer day when I discovered it. I have shared the recipe with many others, passing down the tradition of Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken to the next generation.

I have always been a firm believer that food has the power to bring people together. Whether it's a simple meal shared with loved ones or a more elaborate feast, the act of cooking and sharing food is a way to show love and create lasting memories.

As I sit here reflecting on the journey I have taken with this recipe, I am grateful for the joy it has brought me and those around me. I am reminded of the power of a good meal to nourish not only our bodies but also our souls.

And so, I will continue to cook and share my recipes with anyone who is willing to try them. Because food, like love, is meant to be shared and savored. And who knows, perhaps one day, my own grandchildren will discover the joy of cooking and carry on the tradition of Orange-Ginger-Sesame Chicken in their own kitchens.