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This Sesame Oil Hen is a comfortable Chinese language residence fashion dish made with ginger, soy sauce, and aromatic sesame oil. The hen turns tender and juicy in simply 20 minutes, with a savory sauce that tastes wonderful over rice. Fast, simple, and ideal for weeknight dinners.

Chinese language Sesame Oil Hen Recipe
If there’s one hen dish I by no means get uninterested in making at residence, it’s this simple Chinese language sesame oil hen. Generally known as 麻油鸡 (má yóu jī), it’s one thing I cook dinner each few weeks as a result of it’s easy, cozy, and full of ginger and aromatic sesame oil. It’s the sort of residence fashion dish that all the time hits the spot and everybody loves it. In Malaysia, sesame oil hen or pork can be a well-liked confinement dish for brand spanking new moms as a result of the ginger and sesame oil are believed to heat and nourish the physique. Even if you’re not making it for confinement, the flavour is extremely comforting and ideal for on a regular basis meals.
What I really like most is how few components you want. Simply ginger, sesame oil, hen, soy sauce, and a fast simmer. You probably have a Chinese language clay pot, the flavour turns into even richer, however a daily wok or skillet works too. The hen turns tender and juicy, and the sauce tastes wonderful with steamed rice. It comes collectively in about 20 minutes and I make it so usually that it has develop into one in all my go to weeknight dishes. Attempt it as soon as and I feel it should develop into a daily in your kitchen too.
Why This Is A Weeknight Winner


- Fast and easy to make. Prepared in about 20 minutes, this stir-fried and braised hen recipe is ideal for anybody in search of a straightforward Chinese language hen dinner that comes collectively quick.
- Tender, juicy hen each time. The light braise lets the hen absorb all of the nutty, fragrant sesame oil and contemporary ginger, retaining the meat mushy, flavorful, and satisfying.
- Works with something you might have. Serve with steamed rice, noodles corresponding to Lo Mein with Greens, or congee. It’s a family-friendly dish that pairs fantastically with easy greens corresponding to Garlic Mushroom Bok Choy and goes completely with any weeknight menu.
Substances You’ll Want


- Hen
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Shaoxing wine
Test the recipe card on the backside for the complete record of components and actual measurements.
Professional Tip #1: The Star Of The Dish
Sesame oil is what provides this hen its signature nutty, fragrant taste and comforting heat. I like to recommend utilizing Kadoya toasted sesame oil, Ghee Hiang, or Lee Kum Kee. Heating it at the beginning helps launch these aromas so each chunk is aromatic and scrumptious.
Professional Tip #2: Use Recent Previous Ginger
Make certain to make use of contemporary outdated ginger for this recipe. The skinny strips add a delicate heat and vivid, fragrant taste that basically makes the hen shine. Pre-ground ginger can’t match the perfume and depth of taste, and the dish will style flat with out it.
Professional Tip #3: Decide The Hen You Desire
I used boneless, skinless hen breast on this recipe as a result of it cooks rapidly and stays tender. You can too use bone-in, skinless thighs or drumsticks, or boneless thighs.
Professional Tip #4: Shaoxing Wine Provides Authenticity
A splash of Shaoxing wine tenderizes the hen and provides it that traditional, fragrant Chinese language taste. In the event you don’t have it, you need to use dry sherry or cooking sake as an alternative, although the flavour can be barely totally different.
Recipe Variations
- Pork As a substitute Of Hen: For a richer, heartier model, swap the hen for pork stomach or pork shoulder. Slice the pork into bite-sized items about 1–2 cm thick so it cooks evenly. Since pork is a bit more durable than hen, it should want a number of further minutes of braising, round 15-20 minutes, till it’s tender and absorbs the sesame oil and ginger flavors. Add the pork on the similar time you’ll the hen.
- Mushrooms And Scallions: Add some earthy taste with mushrooms like shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms. Slice them and add them to the pan over the last 3-5 minutes of braising in order that they keep tender however don’t overcook. Toss within the scallions on the very finish for a contemporary, vibrant end that brightens the dish.
How To Make Sesame Oil Hen


Warmth your skillet or wok over excessive warmth and add the sesame oil. As soon as it’s scorching, add the ginger strips and stir till they’re frivolously golden and aromatic. This helps launch the sesame oil’s nutty aroma and units the flavour for the hen.
Professional Tip: Make certain the oil is scorching earlier than including the ginger. If it’s not scorching sufficient, the ginger gained’t sizzle and the oil gained’t get that wealthy, fragrant taste.


Add the hen and stir for 10 to fifteen seconds to coat it within the ginger-flavored oil. Pour within the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and some dashes of white pepper. Add the water and provides all the pieces a fast stir so the hen absorbs the flavors.


Cowl the skillet, cut back the warmth to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken barely, and the hen will develop into tender and flavorful. Serve scorching with steamed rice.
Professional Tip: Test the sauce close to the tip of cooking. If it’s too skinny, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water to maintain it saucy and tender.
Steadily Requested Questions
The trick is to maintain the warmth low and let the hen braise slowly within the sauce. This helps the meat keep juicy and tender with out drying out.
Sure. Simply observe the identical steps however use the strain cook dinner setting. After sautéing the ginger and hen, add the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and water. Seal the lid, strain cook dinner on excessive for 8 minutes, then launch the strain. You’ll get tender, flavorful hen very quickly, and it’s simply as scrumptious!
Sure, it retains nicely within the fridge for 1-2 days. Simply retailer it in an hermetic container and reheat gently on the range!
I wouldn’t advocate freezing this dish as the feel of the hen and sauce may change when thawed. It’s finest loved contemporary or saved within the fridge for a few days.
This recipe is simply 174 energy per serving.


What To Serve With This Recipe
For a straightforward and healthful Chinese language weeknight dinner, I like to recommend the next recipes:
I hope you get pleasure from this publish as a lot as I do. In the event you strive my recipe, please go away a remark and take into account giving it a 5-star ranking. For less difficult and scrumptious recipes, discover my Recipe Index, and keep up to date by subscribing to my e-newsletter and following me on Fb, Pinterest, and Instagram for brand spanking new updates.
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Forestall your display from going darkish
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Warmth a skillet or wok over excessive warmth and add the sesame oil. As soon as scorching, add the ginger strips and stir-fry till they flip mild brown and aromatic.
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Add the hen and stir-fry for 10–15 seconds. Then pour within the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and some dashes of floor white pepper. Add the water and provides all the pieces a fast stir to mix.
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Cowl the skillet or wok, cut back the warmth to low, and let the hen simmer for about 10 minutes, or till the sauce thickens and the hen is tender. Serve instantly.
Serving: 4folks, Energy: 174kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 19g, Fats: 9g, Saturated Fats: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 3g, Monounsaturated Fats: 3g, Trans Fats: 0.01g, Ldl cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 603mg, Potassium: 350mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 26IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 1mg
Vitamin data is mechanically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

