This will be quick today, since I have a fussy child in my arms and typing one handed just takes too long!! So to go along with a quick post is a quick dinner idea!
At the beginning of the year, I decided I wanted to try new ingredients, and this dish uses an ingredient that I’ve never used before – black bean sauce. I really enjoyed this dish and this new ingredient.
Have you ever used black bean sauce, and if so, do you have a good recipe so I can use the rest of my sauce?
Sesame Chicken Thighs with Garlicky Broccoli
from Quick Fix Meals
Serves 4
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup Chinese black bean sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder, to taste
4 cups broccoli florets
Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add the sesame seeds and stir to coat the chicken. Cook until the sesame seeds are toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, black bean sauce and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
As the chicken is cooking, sprinkle the garlic powder over the broccoli. Place the broccoli over the simmering chicken mixture and cook until the broccoli is crisp tender, about 5 minutes. Serve over rice noodles, if desired.
I think the only time I have ever used it was in a chicken stir fry as well. It’s not something I have used often and I don’t really know why, because I do enjoy eating it as well.
A great meal! Tasty and healthy!
cheers,
Rosa
I’ve never heard of black bean sauce. Was it easy to find? In the “Asian food” aisle?
Kelly, I found it just at the grocery store on the Asian food aisle. And I’m guessing that if I can find it, anyone can!
I’ve seen black bean sauce but never known what to do with it. Thanks for posting this – it looks yummy!
Oh, poor little sous chef. I hope she settled down for a nice nap for you. Seems like right around 6 weeks old (give or take a bit) the “fussies” start to come out. It passes.
I’d love for you to pass me a plate of this sesame chicken with garlicky broccoli! I love black bean sauce, but have only used it in stir fry. I look forward to reading what suggestions you get! YUM! Take good care of yourself, too! Oh, how my back would ache after holding a wee one all day … but I’d do it again in a heart beat! 
oh that sounds so wonderful! can’t wait to try this.
what a great sounding recipe! i’ve never used black bean sauce, but i can’t wait to try this new (well, new to me) ingredient!
chinese black bean sauce? what is this, and why have i never heard of or sampled it? my loss!
Great dinner idea. Thanks for sharing!
Looks a lovely meal and sounds so tasty!
Rosie x
Sounds good but I’d sub white meat for the thighs.
Sorry about the babygirl. Hope it’s nothing but a bit of fussiness!
~ingrid
This is a really nice recipe. Leftover black bean sauce keeps well in the refrigerator.
I love chicken thighs – I can’t think of any specific recipes off the top of my head, but it’s in a lot of stir fry dishes. Maybe do a search of food network or myrecipes.com?
My type of quick dinner.
I don’t think I’ve ever left you a comment, but since I just used black bean sauce last night I thought I’d share.
I did a stir-fry of tofu and vegetables and used the black bean sauce in a marinade for the vegetables.
Marinade:
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 tablespoons hoisan sauce
2 star anise, finely ground
a dash of red pepper flakes
Dried minced garlic to taste
Place everything in a measuring cup and add enough cooking oil to reach 1 cup. Toss with vegetables, place in a freezer bag and let sit a few hours before stir-frying.
Hope you like it, and belted congratulations.
http://www.eattheblog.blogspot.com
I think I know what to prepare tonight. Lovely!
I think I have some to use up but can’t remember what I made with it originally…I’ll have to try this recipe.
I’ve always wanted to try black bean sauce. It doesn’t sound very good, but you’ve convinced me to buy some.