I had enjoyed the Asian sweet and savory glaze from yesterday's post so much that I decided to try it again about a week after my first experiment with it. Sesame chicken is one of my favorite Chinese take-out picks, but it really is not a healthy option at all. What I came up with has all the flavor but without all the fat and oil.
I started with white meat chicken tenders, which I always keep in the freezer. After defrosting, I cut them into bite-sized pieces. I put about 1/2 cup of flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour for almost everything) in a plastic ziploc bag and seasoned it with salt and pepper. Then I threw a few pieces of chicken in at a time, shook them around until coated, and removed them. When all the chicken was floured, I heated a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and then cooked the chicken over a medium flame until browned.
For the sauce, I used equal parts (about 1/3 cup each) of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. I whisked in crushed garlic and ginger, chili powder, sesame oil and a small amount of honey. The reduced balsamic is so sweet, you probably don't even need the honey unless you enjoy it more sweet than savory. Don't forget crushed red pepper to taste. Pour all ingredients into a saucepan and simmer until reduced and thickened. When done, pour it over the cooked chicken in the skillet and heat a few minutes to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. I served it over brown rice with broccoli on the side. I actually only had frozen broccoli florets on hand, which I steamed right in the skillet, then stir fried with a little garlic, olive oil and salt. I have to say, this was a satisfying alternative to take-out. I was even hungry again in a half hour! (Just kidding!) Next time around, I may try this dish with shrimp.
Delicious ideas for healthy meals featuring whole foods and plenty of flavor!
What's cookin'?
I love to cook. I have always loved being in the kitchen, first as a child where it was the center of the family; later, I enjoyed creating my own recipes and recreating meals I had enjoyed in restaurants. Growing up in the '60s and '70s in an Italian family, macaroni was dinner at least twice a week. We also learned to love Jiffy-Pop, Cheez-Whiz and other assorted "healthy" fare. Vegetables were never center stage, and salad was often just iceberg, cukes and tomatoes. Weight was never a problem for me either, but as the years go by,I find that the old metabolism isn't what it used to be. In my twenties, I could skip a few Twinkies and lose 5 pounds to get into that cute outfit for a weekend date. Now, in my very, very, VERY late 20's, losing 5 pounds takes nothing short of a miracle! I used my love of cooking and interest in healthy eating to cultivate a repertoire of healthy and delicious new recipes, as well as healthier dishes inspired by old favorites. My project last summer was to research and develop ways to increase my collection of vegetable recipes. Not vegetarian, but vegetable-centered, I have tried to use spices, herbs, and various cultural styles to keep dinner interesting, exciting and worth going back for seconds. I am not a nutritionist, but I have done a good amount of reading, and think I have a handle on what's good for me and what should be avoided. Welcome to my first blog. Feel free to try any recipes that interest you, and share your own! Together we can answer the question....What's healthy for dinner?!!

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