Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

As a busy home cook, finding quick and delicious meals is essential, and that’s where Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry comes into play. I remember the first time I made this dish on a hectic weeknight. I had just come home from work, and my family was starving. With just thirty minutes to whip up something satisfying, I turned to this recipe that has become a go-to in our house. The aroma of fresh vegetables sizzling in sesame oil mixed with tender chicken is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Not only is it fast to prepare, but it’s also a colorful plate, packed with nutritious ingredients that bring a smile to everyone’s face.

What I love most about this stir fry is its versatility; you can easily mix in whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use up leftovers. Plus, it’s a wonderful dish to introduce my kids to cooking. They get excited about tossing the vegetables and watching how quickly they transform in the hot pan. It’s a perfect opportunity to spend quality time together in the kitchen, sharing stories while our delicious dinner comes to life.

This recipe has a delicious sauce that perfectly coats the vegetables and chicken, creating a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the green beans and cashews, along with a hint of warmth from the red pepper flakes. All in all, Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is not just another dinner; it’s a culinary adventure!

Ingredients Required for Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

When preparing Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry, the ingredients play a crucial role in creating a deliciously balanced meal. Fresh vegetables, lean protein, and a flavorful sauce come together to form a delightful dish that’s quick to make.

• 1 cup low sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: This forms the base of our sauce, giving it a rich flavor.
• 1 cup water: Helps to thin the sauce slightly and ensure it coats the stir fry evenly.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a robust flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the savory flavors in the dish.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil): This oil imparts a wonderful nutty aroma and enhances the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a light acidity that brightens the dish.
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger: This adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: These provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to the dish.
• ½ tablespoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch): This helps to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil): For cooking the chicken, it adds a rich flavor.
• 1 pound lean ground chicken (or ground turkey): A healthy source of protein that cooks quickly.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For added depth of flavor.
• Freshly ground salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
• ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil): Enhances the dish’s flavor when sautéing the vegetables.
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced: Provides a sweet crunch that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 white onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Brings color and a sweet flavor.
• 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half: These add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color.
• ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped: Perfect for garnishing and adding a nutty crunch.
• Scallions (green part of the onion only): For garnish and an extra burst of freshness.
• Extra sesame seeds: For added crunch and presentation.

Step by Step Instructions for Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

Creating this Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can master. Follow along closely, and soon you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish.

1. First, make your stir fry sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, garlic, coconut sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and arrowroot starch. Set it aside. The sauce should be well combined, with no lumps remaining.
2. Next, add ½ tablespoon sesame oil to a large pot and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in ground chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Quickly begin to break up the meat with a spatula, cooking until no longer pink. The chicken should have a nice golden color. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a bowl and set it aside, leaving the heat in the pan.
3. In the same pot, add another ½ tablespoon sesame oil. Add in chopped onion and sliced carrots, cooking for 2 to 4 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become translucent. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
4. Next, add in green beans and bell pepper to the pot. Continue stirring frequently, cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the green beans are slightly tender but still have a nice crunch. This is the part where the vibrant colors of the vegetables shine, making the dish visually appealing.
5. Now, add the cooked ground chicken back to the pot with the veggies. Immediately turn the heat to low and pour in the prepared sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Finally, serve the stir fry with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy dinner. Garnish with roasted cashews, a few extra sesame seeds, and scallions for an added touch. Each bite will be a delightful mix of flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Expert Tips about Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

To make the most of your Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry, consider these expert tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture of the vegetables.
• Freezing: This stir fry freezes well. Portion it out into containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: It pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or quinoa, adding a wholesome touch to the meal.
• Customization: Feel free to swap out the ground chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a variation.
• Garnish: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish even further.

Perfect Pairings for Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

When it comes to serving Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry, there are several delightful pairings that can enhance your meal:

• Brown Rice: This is a classic pairing, offering a nutty flavor and wholesome benefits.
• Quinoa: A protein-packed alternative that complements the stir fry nicely.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adds extra greens and visual appeal to your plate.
• Spring Rolls: Light and crispy, they make a fantastic appetizer alongside your stir fry.
• Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, providing a colorful and tasty centerpiece.
• Meal Prep: Consider making a double batch for meal prep; it stores wonderfully and tastes even better the next day.
• Seasonal Greens: In the summer, fresh basil or mint can provide a refreshing twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry is the perfect blend of flavors and textures that make weeknight dinners enjoyable. It’s quick, healthy, and customizable, ensuring everyone at the table will leave satisfied. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of cooking a scrumptious meal in just thirty minutes. You’ll find it’s a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire!

Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

The ultimate weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor! Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce, making it a family favorite. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and satisfying. Give it a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 cup water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ tablespoon arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
• ½ tablespoon sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
• 1 pound lean ground chicken (or ground turkey)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly ground salt and pepper
• ½ tablespoon toasted sesame oil (preferably toasted sesame oil)
• 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 12 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
• ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped
• Scallions (green part of the onion only)
• Extra sesame seeds

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Grater
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. First, make your stir fry sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, garlic, coconut sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and arrowroot starch. Set aside. The sauce should be well combined, with no lumps remaining.
2. Next, add ½ tablespoon sesame oil to a large pot and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in ground chicken and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Quickly begin to break up the meat with a spatula, cooking until no longer pink. The chicken should have a nice golden color. Once cooked, transfer the meat to a bowl and set it aside, leaving the heat in the pan.
3. In the same pot, add another ½ tablespoon sesame oil. Add in chopped onion and sliced carrots, cooking for 2 to 4 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become translucent. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
4. Next, add in green beans and bell pepper to the pot. Continue stirring frequently, cooking for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the green beans are slightly tender but still have a nice crunch. This is the part where the vibrant colors of the vegetables shine, making the dish visually appealing.
5. Now, add the cooked ground chicken back to the pot with the veggies. Immediately turn the heat to low and pour in the prepared sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Finally, serve the stir fry with brown rice or quinoa for a healthy dinner. Garnish with roasted cashews, a few extra sesame seeds, and scallions for an added touch. Each bite will be a delightful mix of flavors!

Notes

If you are serving with rice, I suggest starting the rice first before you begin cooking, especially if it’s brown rice as it takes about 40 minutes total to cook.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.