Sesame Chicken and Stir Fried Bok Choy

As with most families, everyone in our house has their own schedule. My Oldest is off to softball practice first. Then it is No Thank You Boy's turn to go to lacrosse. My Middle One heads with a friend out the door to a party. Softball practice is over. Lacrosse practice ends. Next up, The Husband and No Thank You Boy decide to go to the New York Auto Show. Some days I can't plan on anyone but myself to be home at dinner time. Which isn't all that bad sometimes. It is inevitable that when the family gets home though, they will be hungry.

Last night I made enough dinner for 5+ people since I never know who will end up at our dinner table. As the dinner hour rolled around, there were 2 of us to eat it. My Oldest and I enjoyed Sesame Chicken and Stir Fried Bok Choy leaving the others to reheat their homemade takeout when they got home. Asian dishes are a no-brainer in our house. Everyone likes them, and the leftovers heat up as if just made. This is a good dish in that those who want it spicy can add red pepper flakes to their hearts content while the others eat it as prepared.

This meal is good to have on hand for the days when the family is going in 5 different directions all at the same time.

Sesame Chicken

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons ginger root, grated
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
red pepper flakes, to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, plus a little more for garnish
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
a few drops of sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut in bite sized pieces
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
scallions, sliced thin for garnish
cooked rice

Mix together all ingredients except for the chicken and pineapple. Place chicken in a large ziploc and add the marinade. Marinate for about 15 - 30 minutes.

Heat a wok or large saute to high. Add the chicken and marinade and cook until chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened; about 10 minutes. Add pineapple and just heat through.

Serve over rice and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and scallions.


Stir Fried Bok Choy

1 large head of bok choy; about 8 cups chopped slightly larger than bite sized pieces
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
sesame seeds
red pepper flakes

Heat a wok or large saute pan to high. Add the sesame oil and the bok choy. Stir fry until tender crisp, about 4 - 5 minutes. Toss with soy sauce and sesame seeds and red pepper flakes to taste.