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Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry

Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry
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A quick and flavorful Sesame Chicken Green Bean Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast, crisp fresh green beans, and a savory sesame sauce. This healthy, balanced meal delivers bold umami, nutty sesame aroma, and a touch of sweetness, all ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it is easy to customize and clean up, making it a delicious, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized strips

Vegetables

  • 8 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (plus extra if needed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp water (to thin sauce)
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili slices for heat

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped scallions

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Trim the ends of green beans and slice chicken breast into bite-sized strips. Mince garlic and ginger to release their fresh aromas, ensuring even and quick cooking.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Stir Fry the Green Beans: In the same pan, add more sesame oil if needed. Add green beans and stir fry for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green, just tender but still crisp, locking in their crunch.
  4. Build the Sauce: Add minced garlic and ginger directly to the green beans and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and 2 tablespoons water to thin the sauce. Stir vigorously to combine thoroughly.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together so the sauce evenly coats the chicken and green beans. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors and warm through.
  6. Finish with Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions over the stir fry just before serving for added texture, flavor, and aroma.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking for better sear and caramelization.
  • Use medium-high heat to keep vegetables crisp and chicken tender.
  • Fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming; give ingredients space to sear.
  • Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan beforehand for maximum flavor.
  • Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) if a thicker sauce is desired.
  • Adjust sweetness with honey or brown sugar to taste, or omit for a low-sugar option.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free alternative.
  • Add chili flakes or fresh chili slices to spice it up if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame chicken, green bean stir fry, quick dinner, healthy stir fry, gluten free dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/sesame-chicken-green-bean-stir-fry/