If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe to feed your family, you’re in luck. Today, I will show you how to make this fantastic vegan sesame chicken recipe in just five minutes.
Fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser. It’s savory, filling, and full of nutrients. However, this is unhealthy.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you’ve come to the right place. This healthy sesame chicken recipe will become a favorite in your home.
What is the difference between Sesame Chicken and other types of chicken?
Sesame Chicken is an Asian dish with a flavor similar to chicken. It is made with marinated chicken and sesame sauce.
In contrast, traditional white meat chicken is a bird that has a very light, almost feather-like, color. This type of chicken usually does not have much fat. And since it is white meat, the color is more delicate than dark chicken meat.
In this recipe, we have used all-natural chicken. All-natural means no added hormones, artificial flavors, or MSG. In addition, the chicken is grass-fed, which is a way to feed livestock sustainably.
Chicken breast has more protein and less fat, making it a better choice.
Finally, the chicken is boneless and skinless, making it easier to cook and eat. The sesame sauce is our version of teriyaki sauce. It is made from sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar. And lastly, the scallions and cilantro are green onions and fresh cilantro, respectively.
What are its Health Benefits?
Vegan Sesame Chicken was developed by Dr. Tanya Zuckerbrot, a nutritionist, a naturopathic doctor, and an author. Dr. Zuckerbrot wanted to create something delicious to serve as the main course and provide a protein source.
To do this, she used sesame seeds and tofu, a plant-based alternative to meat. The dish uses the nutritional power of these ingredients to deliver the following benefits:
High in fiber
The fiber in chicken breast meat is much lower than in most other protein sources. That’s why when you eat chicken breast meat, you should always try to choose white meat (with no skin). This is the leanest and lowest calories part of the chicken breast.
In addition, the protein in white meat is highly digestible, which makes it easier to absorb into the body. Therefore, you can feel full faster and longer with this protein source.
High in protein
Vegan sesame chicken is super healthy food for all ages and fitness levels!
Protein is one of the essential nutrients that your body needs to survive. Protein helps build and repair muscles, organs, and cells. It also develops hormones and other chemicals required for your body to function correctly.
In addition, protein has been proven to help with weight loss and muscle maintenance, helping to prevent muscle breakdown.
Eating protein-rich foods (like vegan sesame chicken) can provide extra protein and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Good for the heart
Eating protein increases the production of HDL, or “good cholesterol.” This is important because overeating saturated fat can increase the heart attack risk.
High in antioxidants
Sesame chicken is high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals in the body that protect cells against damage by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that cause disease.
Good for the skin
Drinking alcohol can disrupt the integrity of the skin’s epidermal (outermost) layer, allowing water loss and resulting in dry, scaly, and itchy skin. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps to regulate fluid levels and is beneficial for maintaining a healthy complexion.
Good for bones
It’s well-documented that vegan diets are great for bones and joints. There are numerous reasons for this. For one, protein from beans and other legumes is high in vitamin K, which helps bone density. Also, a plant-based diet contains much fewer calories than a typical meat-based diet, which means that people will naturally tend to eat less. This is excellent news for bone health!
Good for the brain
Eating protein increases the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are necessary for a happy mood.
Suitable for the immune system
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may strengthen the body’s natural defense mechanism, increasing its ability to fight infections.
Conclusion
If you want to add sesame seeds to a dish:
- Check the ingredient list to see if they’re already there.
- If you want to make the recipe healthier, look at what’s going on with the cooking method and ingredients used.
- See if you can improve upon it.
Sesame seeds can give them flavor, texture, and moisture. But they aren’t the main reason for eating this delicious dish. So, if you want to make a healthy version of the classic dish, look at my recipe for Vegan Sesame Chicken.
How to cook Vegan Sesame Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp gluten-free tamari
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 stalks of scallions, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
Instructions
- Whisk together the sesame seeds, honey, water, pepper, cornstarch, vinegar, salt, and ginger in a large bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes, then transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the soy sauce and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and heat. Pour in the sesame oil. Swirl to coat. Add the scallions and garlic, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Add the scallion mixture to the sesame seed mixture.
- Stir in the cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the chicken and the sesame chicken salad onto a platter. Garnish with cilantro. Serve immediately.
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