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Glistening Sesame Oil Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Winner

Tender pieces glazed in a savory-sweet sesame sauce with aromatic ginger and garlic.

Janelle

By Janelle

Updated: January 18, 2026

Why I Love This Recipe

Sesame oil chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that has its roots in Chinese home cooking. Often enjoyed as a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal, it showcases the incredible depth of flavor that can be achieved with just a few key ingredients. The combination of fragrant sesame oil, pungent ginger, and umami-rich soy sauce creates a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate, making it a beloved dish across generations. This recipe simplifies the process, ensuring even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results every time.

  • •Unmistakable Aroma - The nutty fragrance of sesame oil infused with ginger and garlic creates an incredibly inviting scent while cooking.
  • •Perfectly Balanced Flavors - The savory soy sauce and rice wine are beautifully balanced by the subtle sweetness of sugar and the richness of chicken broth.
  • •Velvety Texture - A touch of cornstarch creates a light coating that ensures each piece remains succulent and the sauce clings beautifully.
  • •Quick and Easy - Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect solution for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner.
  • •Pantry-Friendly Ingredients - Made with common pantry staples, you can easily whip this up whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 3 tbsp Sesame oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp Ginger (minced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp Rice wine (Shaoxing or dry sherry)
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar (granulated)
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the sauce and give it a glossy sheen. Set aside for later use.

    ~2 min

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, combine chicken with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss well to coat evenly. This will help the pieces sear properly and infuse them with the sesame flavor from the beginning.

    ~3 min

  3. 3

    Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will steam the pieces instead of searing them properly.

    ~2 min

  4. 4

    Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The pieces should release easily from the pan when properly seared. Remove the seared pieces from the skillet and set aside.

    ~6 min

  5. 5

    Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the skillet. The pan should still be hot from searing the chicken. The aroma of sesame will fill your kitchen.

    ~1 min

  6. 6

    Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

    ~1 min

  7. 7

    Pour in the rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth of flavor to the sauce.

    ~1 min

  8. 8

    Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce a bit.

    ~3 min

  9. 9

    Pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should only take about 30 seconds to a minute. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

    ~1 min

  10. 10

    Return the seared pieces to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

    ~1 min

  11. 11

    Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

    ~2 min

  12. 12

    Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    ~1 min

How Do I Know It's Ready?

The pieces are done when they are no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thickened and glossy.

Frequently Asked Questions

While fresh is preferred for optimal flavor, you can use frozen ginger and garlic if that's what you have on hand. Be sure to thaw them completely before using.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Glistening Sesame Oil Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Winner as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!