When I first saw this recipe posted on Shu Han’s blog, Mummy I Can Cook, I couldn’t help grinning.
She has a photo of the original recipe from her mom. The recipe was written in a crowded mix of her mom’s Chinese and English. She described this as one of her favorite comfort foods.
I knew then, that I needed to try making this. I changed a few things, mostly by accident, but it turned out wonderfully.
My husband, my boys and I ate every bite of this chicken. I will likely double the recipe next time I make it, so that we’ll be sure to have extra for lunch the next day!
Ginger and Sesame Oil Chicken
Recipe adapted from and with thanks to Shu Han's Mom
Ingredients
- 3 chicken legs cut into thighs and drumsticks (you can use whichever parts you like, but they should be bone-in)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger I peeled and minced about 2" worth using a microplane grater
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, pepper, and water. Pour this over the chicken in a large ziploc bag or airtight container. Marinate 1-2 hours.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, warm the olive oil and then add the chicken pieces (save the marinade). Brown them slightly, about 1-2 minutes on each side.Then add the rice wine, followed by the reserved marinade and cook for a few minutes.
- Cover with the lid and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Increase the heat under the marinade left in the pan to about medium high, let it simmer until reduced by about half. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving. Enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!
E @ Act Fast Chef says
This does sound like a comfort meal. It looks delicious, and I love finding new recipes for chicken thighs!
Three-Cookies says
This looks really good, I've made something similar, simple and delicious
Joanne says
That sauce sounds like something I would attempt to pour over EVERYTHING. Ginger kinda rocks my socks.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
GREAT recipe – the sauce looks and sounds fantastic
Mary x
Nancy @Real Food, Allergy Free says
Ah man, I looove ginger! I'd love for you to share this at our brand new blog hop: Allergy Free Wednesdays http://www.realfoodallergyfree.com/2012/01/allergy-free-wednesday-125/ Hope to see you there!
[email protected] says
Fresh ginger! You know Im in. I think I'll try this with some gfree soy sauce. I'll let ya know how it goes over here.
Chris says
This post pains me. Mostly because my right thumb is STILL healing from a run in with a microplane about two weeks ago when my hand slipped. It reminded me of that old Pixies song…."Gouge Away".
Carrie says
OH my goodness the chicken makes me drool. Looks amazing.
sportsglutton says
So simple, but I can imagine how flavorful these were. Yum!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
I wonder…… If you could make the sauce and brush the chicken legs on the grill with it. My husband is all about cooking chicken legs on the grill. Teriyaki-asian wings and legs are my favorite! I'm saving this recipe to try it this spring 🙂
Mary says
Let me know how that works for you. That's a great idea for grilling. I'd like to try that too!
Words Of Deliciousness says
This chicken looks amazing. Very yummy!
The Harried Cook says
Yum! Sounds really flavorful… I just love sesame oil! And I think it looks awesome too! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Becki Jacobs says
I have been craving some bone-in chicken lately (I am kind of boneless skinless-ed-out:-).) I love the sweet sticky sauce on this – I bet it tastes wonderful with the dark meat chicken!
The Cookinglady says
Oh these wings look fantastic, I'm always looking for new ways to cook them. Great pic, thanks for sharing
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I've looked at this recipe three times but keep getting interrupted! These look fantastic. I love the way the recipe was written in two languages. I bet you can't eat just one!
Shu Han says
DAMN I JUST SAW THIS! Funny a friend pointed it out to me. Looks ah may zinggggg. I am so pleased you liked it. Mum is super pleased too 😀
Mary says
I'm glad you saw it, Shu Han! The chicken was delicious. I need to make it again now that I've been reminded! Please tell your mum, thank you for the recipe.
Chrissel says
What if I don’t have a rice wine? What alternative should I use?
Mary Younkin says
You could use a white wine vinegar, Chrissel.
Casi Nova says
can i use a substitute for rice wine? What can u recommend? Thank u😊
Mary Younkin says
Sure, Casi. Plain vinegar will also work.