Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad Your Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for Chinese takeout? Honestly, me too! But what if you could have all that flavour and actually feel good about it? This Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad does just that! The sticky sweet sesame chicken and crunchy salad are the bomb.

Brief Overview

This recipe takes inspiration from classic Chinese American takeout. It's a lighter, fresher take, proper tasty. I think that is why my family love the Chicken Cabbage Salad so much.

This recipe is medium difficulty, takes about 45 minutes. It makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Main Benefits

This Healthy Sesame Chicken salad packs a protein punch. It's a great source of vitamins from all those lovely veggies.

It's ideal for meal prepping Work Salads . It's also dead simple to make. What makes this Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe special is the balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.

A proper flavour sensation.

Ingredients You'll Need For Your Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad

Alright, here's what you'll need. Don't be scared by the list, most of it's cupboard staples.

• Crispy Sesame Chicken Time: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite sized pieces. You will also need cornstarch, salt, pepper, eggs, vegetable oil, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, green onion, and red pepper flakes.
• Cabbage Time: 1 small head of green cabbage, a carrot, green onions, edamame (optional), and slivered almonds.
• Dressing Time: rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and ginger.

Crispy Chicken Salad: The Secret to Crunch

For the crispiest Crispy Chicken Salad , don’t overcrowd the pan! Seriously, this is crucial. Fry the chicken in batches to get that perfect golden crunch. Honestly, nothing worse than soggy chicken.

Assembling Your Chinese Chicken Salad

Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sesame sauce. Then, pile it high on your bed of Chicken Cabbage .

Don't forget the dressing! Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and Bob’s your uncle! You've got a cracking meal.

Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad: A Personal Touch

I like to add a bit more ginger to my dressing. It just gives it that extra zing, you know? Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sesame sauce to your liking.

This recipe is all about making it your own. Also, if you are following a Protein Plan , this recipe can be an excellent choice.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, you fancy making a Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad ? Ace! Let's talk about what you'll need. Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.

I remember being proper nervous the first time I fried chicken. But trust me, you've got this. Think of it as a healthy Sesame Chicken adventure! This Chicken Cabbage Salad is a great Protein Plan , so it fits perfectly to your Work Salads .

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Alright, listen up, it's measurement time. This Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe isn't too fussy, but accuracy does help.

• Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless. Go for plump, pinkish ones, not those pale, sad-looking things.
• Cornstarch: ½ cup (60g) . It gives the chicken that lovely crispy coating.
• Eggs: 2 large, beaten. Free range, if you're feeling fancy.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 cup (240ml) , for frying. Don't skimp, you need enough for a good sizzle.
• Cabbage: 1 small head, shredded (about 4 cups ). Green cabbage is best, but Savoy works in a pinch. This is the core of the Chicken Cabbage portion of the Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad !
• Carrot: 1 large, shredded. Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Rice Vinegar: ¼ cup (60ml) for the dressing, and 2 tablespoons for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup (60ml) for the sauce, and 1 tablespoon for the dressing.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!

Spices are the soul of cooking, right? This Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad gets its kick from:

• Garlic & Ginger: Essential for that authentic Asian flavour. Use fresh, not the powdered stuff. Trust me, it makes a difference.
• Sesame Oil: Two tablespoons in the sauce and quarter of a cup in the dressing are what gives that nutty aroma.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to the sauce and dressing. Maple syrup works in a pinch. Use 2 tablespoons in the sauce and 1 tablespoon in the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a wee pinch for a bit of heat. Totally optional!

Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Required

Honestly, you don't need a kitchen full of fancy kit for this Crispy Chicken Salad . Just the basics:

• Large Bowl: For mixing the chicken.
• Large Skillet or Wok: For frying the chicken. A wok is brilliant, but a skillet will do just fine.
• Slotted Spoon: To rescue your chicken from the hot oil.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely crucial! Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F/ 74° C . Safety first!

Cooking Method

Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad: sounds banging, doesn't it? Honestly, I was craving some Asian takeout the other day, but I didn't want all the grease.

This recipe? It's the perfect compromise. Lighter, fresher, and just as satisfying. It can be a real winner for Work Salads and Protein Plan .

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place , my friends. Get everything prepped and ready to go. Chop your chicken, shred your cabbage, measure out your sauces.

Seriously, it makes all the difference. For some time saving organization tips I always do all the prep work the day before.

And remember - watch those fingers with the knife! This Crispy Chicken Salad version is so much better when you still have all ten digits.

step-by-step Sesame Chicken Bliss

1. Toss your 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken with 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
2. Dip the chicken in 2 beaten eggs.
3. Fry in 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil at medium high heat until golden. The internal temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
4. Sauté 2 cloves minced garlic and 1 inch grated ginger in 2 tablespoons sesame oil until fragrant.
5. Add 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
6. Toss fried chicken in the sauce. Boom!
7. Mix 4 cups shredded cabbage, 1 shredded carrot, 2 sliced green onions, 1/2 cup (50g) edamame(optional), and 1/4 cup (30g) almonds for the Chicken Cabbage Salad .
8. Drizzle over salad dressing.

Pro Tips for Sesame Sensation

Honestly, the secret to super crispy chicken? Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches! The flavour in this Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe gets better the longer the flavours get a change to merge.

Another tip? You can make the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge. This Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad tastes so good, its something you want to eat over and over! I've made the common mistake of not patting the chicken dry before coating it.

Soggy chicken is a sin! Also, the Healthy Sesame Chicken in this recipe makes it guilt free. So, try the recipe and enjoy a flavourful meal.

And if you like, you can play around with other vegetables for the Chicken Cabbage portion to tweak it in your own way.

I hope you enjoyed this version of Chinese Chicken Salad , full of protein and great flavours.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad Shine!

So, you're ready to tackle this Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad ? Brilliant! Honestly, it’s easier than you think. Here are a few little nuggets I’ve picked up along the way that will make your salad a total winner.

This Chicken Cabbage Salad is like a blank canvas; let's paint it with flavour!

Serving Up Sunshine: Plating and Presentation

First impressions matter, right? I reckon a beautiful presentation elevates any meal. When plating this Asian Chicken Cabbage Salad , I like to start with a base of the dressed cabbage.

Then, pile on that gorgeous Crispy Chicken Salad , making sure to get a good mix of light and dark pieces.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and those green onions on top for a pop of colour and flavour. Honestly, a side of crusty bread for soaking up any leftover dressing is also banging.

For a refreshing twist, try serving this alongside a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or even a Japanese beer.

Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh

Nobody wants a soggy salad the next day! This Healthy Sesame Chicken element should be kept away from the wet ingredients.

The beauty of this salad is that you can prepare the components separately. Store the dressed cabbage salad and the Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

I would advise against freezing the cabbage salad as it will lose its lovely crunch. But the chicken? You can totally freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then pop it in a freezer bag for up to a month.

To reheat, bake in a 350° F/ 175° C oven until heated through. Reheating chicken in an oven is a sure fire way to make sure it's heated through.

I have learned this the hard way!

Shake Things Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a little twist? No worries, I have you sorted. For a Protein Plan friendly version, use baked tofu instead of chicken.

Toss it in the sesame sauce divine! If you’re cutting back on the carbs, swap out the honey for a sugar-free sweetener .

Feeling fancy? Try using purple cabbage in the fall for a pop of colour, or adding pomegranate seeds for a sweet burst in the winter.

A lot of people like to have this for Work Salads , it's really easy to meal prep.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Let's talk nutrition. This Chinese Chicken Salad is packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the sesame oil.

The cabbage is a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins. Plus, that Sesame Ginger Chicken Salad is lower in calories and fat than your average takeout option.

This Crispy Sesame Chicken Cabbage Salad: is a winner! Don't be afraid to make it your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy!