Sesame Chicken with Fresh Shredded Salad

Feast your eyes and palate on the Sesame Chicken with Fresh Shredded Salad, a perfect blend of nutty, savory flavors and crisp, invigorating freshness. Each tender piece of chicken, enrobed in a sticky, sweet glaze and speckled with sesame seeds, offers a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the light, tangy crunch of the lemon-dressed salad. This dish, complete with vibrant greens and juicy cherry tomatoes, is a testament to the joys of combining simple, fresh ingredients to create a meal that's as nutritious as it is delightful. It's a culinary celebration that's sure to impress at any dining table.

Shopping List:

• 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil, plus more for cooking
• 1/2 head of cabbage
• 2 large carrots
• 1 lemon
• 2 cups spinach leaves or mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or white vinegar

Recipe:

Sesame Chicken:

1. Cut 1 lb of chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate with 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
4. In the final minute of cooking, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the chicken and stir to coat.

Fresh Shredded Salad:

1. Thinly slice 1/2 head of cabbage.
2. Grate 2 large carrots.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and an optional 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
4. Toss the cabbage and carrots in the dressing.

Assembly:

1. Arrange the cooked sesame chicken on one half of the plate.
2. On the other half, mound the fresh shredded salad.
3. Garnish with 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves or mixed salad greens.
4. Scatter 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes around the greens.