Oh, the comforting warmth of a truly delightful meal, especially after a bustling day! Today, my heart is all aglow thinking about our Easy Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry for Weeknights. It’s a dish that brings together tender ground chicken, savory soy, and aromatic sesame, simmering into a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl – a classic, magical combination that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
I remember countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of simmering goodness. Though she specialized in sweet treats, the spirit of using fresh ingredients and a sprinkle of love in every dish always inspired me. This savory soup carries that same homey feeling, a testament to how humble components can create culinary magic.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful. It’s also wonderfully adaptable, making it a fantastic family-friendly meal. My practical tip for this one? Don’t shy away from fresh ginger; it truly brightens every spoonful!
What You Need to Make This Recipe
For this delightful soup, simple pantry staples truly shine. Ground chicken and rich sesame oil are key, alongside fresh ginger and garlic, which I believe are the soul of any comforting meal, especially this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry. All ingredients and measurements are in the recipe card.
How to Make Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Creating this comforting Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is a lovely journey. We begin by browning the seasoned ground chicken, then sautéing vibrant aromatics and vegetables. Everything then simmers beautifully in a rich broth before we add ramen noodles and fresh spinach for a complete meal. It’s a process designed to bring joy and a delicious bowl to your table.
Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix well with your hands until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp.
- Pour in the chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (or brown sugar). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine all the flavors.
- Return the browned ground chicken to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the ramen noodles (or rice vermicelli) to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 3-5 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the baby spinach (or bok choy) and the finishing 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the greens are wilted.
- Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Over my years of cooking, I’ve gathered a few little secrets that make all the difference, and this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is no exception. Here are my top tips:
Don’t Rush the Browning: My secret trick is to let that ground chicken brown properly. It develops a deep, savory flavor that a quick cook simply can’t achieve, adding so much to the soup’s taste.
Fresh Aromatics are Key: I always recommend using fresh ginger and garlic. Their vibrant, zesty punch truly elevates this stir fry soup from good to extraordinary. Small effort, huge flavor reward!
Taste and Adjust: As the soup simmers, always taste it! My grandmother taught me the importance of adjusting seasonings. A little extra soy sauce, rice vinegar, or honey can perfectly balance the flavors to your liking.
Noodles Last: I prefer adding the ramen noodles only a few minutes before serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy, ensuring they retain that lovely al dente bite in your Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry.
Fun Variations for Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to play and personalize! This Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is wonderfully versatile.
Veggie Boosters
My friend Emily always asks me to add chopped mushrooms or thinly sliced bok choy. They add extra texture and nutrients, blending beautifully. You can also toss in some snow peas or water chestnuts for crunch.
Spice It Up!
If you love heat, a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes can awaken the senses. I sometimes add chili garlic sauce when sautéing aromatics for a deeper, spicier kick that complements this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry so well.
Noodle Alternatives
While ramen noodles are classic, feel free to experiment! Rice vermicelli or even thin spaghetti broken into shorter pieces work beautifully. For a gluten-free option, explore rice noodles or spiralized zucchini noodles added at the very end.
What to Serve With Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
While this hearty Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry soup is a complete meal, sometimes it’s lovely to offer a little something extra.
I love serving this soup with crispy wonton strips for added texture – they’re a quick way to elevate the meal. A simple green salad with a light ginger-sesame dressing also makes a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the richness beautifully.
My mom always says extra toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top make any Asian-inspired dish sing, and she’s right for this ground chicken stir fry. A warm cup of jasmine tea is also a wonderful companion.
How to Store Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry
Knowing how to properly store your homemade creations is just as important as making them! This ensures every spoonful of your Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry remains wonderful.
Fridge Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always recommend cooling completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Reheating for Freshness
Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. My personal tip for soups with noodles is to add a splash of extra broth or water if it seems too thick. This restores its comforting consistency. Add fresh spinach or green onions when reheating for a vibrant touch!
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its incredible flavor, this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry offers wholesome goodness. Packed with lean protein from the ground chicken, and a medley of vegetables providing essential vitamins and fiber, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It truly reflects my belief that delicious food can also be good for you.
FAQs
Faq 1
Is this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry soup spicy?
No, the base recipe for this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is quite mild, focusing on savory and umami flavors, perfect for all palates. You can easily add a kick with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce if you prefer more heat.
Faq 2
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground chicken offers a lovely lean profile, you could substitute it with ground turkey or even ground pork. Each will bring its own unique flavor, but the overall deliciousness of your Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry will remain delightful!
Faq 3
How can I add more vegetables to this soup?
It’s wonderful to add more veggies! Try incorporating thinly sliced mushrooms, snow peas, or baby bok choy when you sauté the aromatics. You can also stir in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering to boost this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry.
Faq 4
Can I prepare this Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the broth base and cooked chicken ahead. For the best texture, I recommend adding the ramen noodles and spinach closer to serving, as they can become soggy. This ensures your comforting Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is always fresh and delicious.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about a homemade meal that comes together so easily, yet tastes like it took hours. This Easy Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry is just that – a heartwarming, flavorful soup that promises to bring comfort and joy to your weeknights. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love, can create magical moments around the dinner table. I hope you embrace the joy of creating this beautiful Sesame Ground Chicken Stir Fry, sharing its warmth and making your own sweet memories.