Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1. Brown the Chicken Base: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the toasted sesame oil. Once shimmering, add the ground chicken and break it up with a wooden spoon, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- 2. Cook the chicken until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Allow it to sit undisturbed initially to develop a sear. Crucially, drain off any excess liquid or fat that accumulates in the pan to prevent a watery final dish.
- 3. Sauté the Aromatics: Push the browned chicken to one side of the pan. Add the minced fresh garlic and grated fresh ginger to the cleared space. Sauté the aromatics for about 60 seconds until they are fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Stir the aromatics into the chicken until well combined.
- 4. Build the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), and sriracha until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this sauce mixture directly over the chicken and aromatics in the pan.
- 5. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce has started to bubble and slightly reduce, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step concentrates the flavor.
- 6. Add the Crunch: Add the entire bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots) to the pan. Increase the heat slightly and toss the mixture continuously for only 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to heat the cabbage through and slightly wilt it while retaining a significant amount of crunch.
- 7. Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or rice vinegar for tang, if needed. Stir in the final drizzle of 1 teaspoon of fresh toasted sesame oil just before serving. Serve immediately while hot, topped with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
Storage and Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If serving over rice, store the rice separately to prevent it from becoming gummy. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Variations: For a gluten-free dish, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For extra flavor depth, try adding finely diced shiitake mushrooms along with the chicken, or stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter into the sauce mixture for nutty richness. Always use a large pan (12 inches minimum) to ensure the chicken browns rather than steams.
