Sesame Chicken and Smacked Cucumber Salad
Light, crunchy and packed with umami, this sesame chicken salad ticks all the boxes. Fresh and crunchy sweetheart cabbage, radishes and smacked cucumber are dressed with a zingy miso and sesame dressing to create a moorish slaw that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken thighs.
Method
Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.
Step 1
Combine the miso, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey and ginger and garlic paste in a bowl and whisk to combine to make the dressing. Pour half over the chicken thighs and set aside to marinate. You can do this the day before if you like.
Step 2
Set a non-stick pan over a medium heat and, once hot, lay in the chicken thighs. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. The sauce will slightly blacken the chicken which will add a lovely smoky taste.
Step 3
While the chicken is cooking, prep the veg. Slice the sweatheart cabbage, radishes and spring onion as finely as possible - you can do the cabbage and radishes on a mandolin if you have one. Using the heel of your knife or a rolling pin, lightly bash the cucumber while rotating then chop into even bite-sized pieces. This technique allows for the dressing to reach a larger surface area of the cucumber and get in all the nooks and crannies, which means more flavour.
Step 4
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate to rest. Then sprinkle the sesame seeds into the same pan and lightly toast. Keep your eye on these as they can burn quickly.
Step 5
Once you’re ready to assemble, slice the chicken into strips and pour any resting juices into the remaining dressing, along with the toasted sesame. Add all the veg to a large salad bowl, pour over the dressing and toss to coat. Plate up the salad with the warm, sliced chicken on top. Finish with any remaining dressing and enjoy.
- Ingredients
- Based on 4 servings
-
1 Sweetheart Cabbage 1x Sainsbury's Sweetheart Cabbage -
1 Cucumber, lightly smacked (see method) 1x Sainsbury's Whole Cucumber -
4 tbsp Sesame Seeds 1x Sainsbury's Sesame Seeds 50g -
2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar 1x Yutaka Japanese Rice Vinegar 150ml -
2 tbsp Miso Paste 1x Sainsbury's Miso Paste, Inspired to Cook 100g -
5 tbsp Sesame Oil 1x KTC Pressed Toasted Pure Sesame Oil 250ml -
1 tbsp Honey 1x Sainsbury's Runny Honey 340g -
640g Chicken Thighs, skinless boneless 1x Sainsbury's British Fresh Chicken Thigh Fillets Skinless & Boneless 640g -
1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste 1x KTC Minced Garlic & Ginger Paste 210g -
10 Radishes, sliced 1x Sainsbury's Radish 240g -
1 Bunch Spring Onions 1x Sainsbury's Spring Onions Bunch 100g