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Simple Crispy Sesame Ginger Chicken Tacos. shot

Crispy Sesame Ginger Chicken Tacos.

These Crispy Sesame Ginger Chicken Tacos are a flavorful fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisines that will delight your taste buds!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • Sesame or olive oil for drizzling
For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1-3 tablespoons chili paste (e.g., Gochujang paste)
  • 2 teaspoons creamy peanut butter
  • 2-4 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
For Serving:
  • 12 hard shell tacos
  • Nori sheets, lettuce, kimchi, cilantro, green onion, and queso fresco or your favorite cheese for serving
  • Yum yum style sauce for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Frying pan or wok
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving Platter

Method
 

Directions:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the egg white, tamari or soy sauce, and orange zest. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated. Allow this to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step is crucial for flavor and tenderness.
  2. Once the chicken has marinated, sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. This will create that crispy exterior when cooked.
  3. Drizzle sesame or olive oil into a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, chili paste, creamy peanut butter, chopped garlic, and fresh grated ginger. Adjust the chili paste according to your heat preference. Pour this sauce into the same pan and bring it to a simmer.
  5. Once the sauce is simmering, add the crispy chicken back into the pan. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce thoroughly. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.
  6. While the chicken is absorbing the flavors of the sauce, prepare your hard shell tacos. For an extra touch, you can warm them in the oven for a few minutes to enhance their crunchiness.
  7. Fill each taco shell with a generous amount of the sesame ginger chicken. Top with nori sheets, shredded lettuce, kimchi, cilantro, green onion, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle with yum yum sauce for that irresistible finishing touch.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor.
  • Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • For extra crunch, warm taco shells in the oven.