In the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, the quest for a dish that’s both sumptuous and swift often feels like a culinary mirage. However, the recipe I’m about to unfold is a testament to the fact that time efficiency and gourmet flavors can indeed coexist harmoniously. Introducing the Exquisite Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, a dish that promises to whisk you away on a palatable journey to the East, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Crafted with precision and a passion for authenticity, this recipe is a homage to the traditional flavors, infused with a modern twist, ensuring each bite is a celebration of taste and texture.
Ingredients:
- 15 to 30 ml of sesame oil
- 680 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
- 60 ml of honey
- 60 ml of soy sauce or gluten-free tamari soy sauce
- 60 ml of water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons of cornstarch
- 30 ml of cold water
- Hot cooked rice for serving
- 15 ml of sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Sauté with Precision: Set your 6-qt. electric pressure cooker to the sauté or browning setting. Adjust it to medium heat, then add 15 ml of sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers with heat, tenderly brown the chicken in batches, adding more oil as needed. After achieving a golden hue, cancel the setting and gather all the chicken back into the pressure cooker.
- Whisk in the Whispers of Flavor: In a separate vessel, gracefully whisk together the honey, soy sauce, 60 ml of water, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Let the ingredients dance together until fully mingled. Pour this melody of flavors into the pressure cooker, stirring gently to introduce the chicken to its sauce.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Seal your Instant Pot with the determination of a master chef. Close the pressure-release valve and set your device to cook under high pressure for 4 minutes—a brief interlude in our culinary symphony.
- Thicken with Intent: As the pressure releases, mix the cornstarch with 30 ml of cold water until it forms a pact of smoothness. Introduce this mixture to the pressure cooker, selecting the sauté setting and adjusting for low heat. Stir vigilantly as the sauce thickens to a consistency that promises to coat every grain of rice, 1-2 minutes of dedication.
- Serve with Flair: Lay a foundation of hot cooked rice on each plate. Crown it with the sesame chicken, and sprinkle sesame seeds with the care of a jeweler setting precious stones. If your heart desires, adorn with green onions for a final touch of color and freshness.
- Relish the Masterpiece: Sit down, let the day’s rush fade away, and savor each bite, knowing that you’ve brought a piece of the Orient to your dining table.
Exquisite Instant Pot Sesame Chicken Tips:
- Sauce Thickness Mastery: The cornstarch slurry stands as your ally in achieving that richly coated, glossy finish. For variations, feel the liberty to experiment with arrowroot or flour, or reduce the sauce to concentrate its essence.
- Choosing the Chicken: While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, more robust flavor. Be mindful of the cooking time, as these delectable morsels may demand a longer dance in the pot.
- Accompaniments of Choice: To elevate your meal, consider pairing this dish with starches that echo the sauce’s depth, like rice or noodles. Complement further with vinegar-based slaw, scallion pancakes, or wontons for a truly immersive experience.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 311
- Fat: 9g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
- Cholesterol: 94mg
- Sodium: 1004mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 17g, Fiber: 0g)
- Protein: 37g
Embark on a culinary adventure with this Exquisite Instant Pot Sesame Chicken, where every ingredient plays its part in a symphony of flavors, destined to delight your senses and leave you yearning for the next bite.
