Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Skewers and sesame are a delightful combination of savory and nutty flavors, making for a versatile and easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re grilling on a sunny day or serving as a party appetizer, these skewers are perfect for any occasion. The skewers, typically made with chicken or vegetables, are paired with a toasted sesame coating that adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor. It’s a dish that’s simple yet satisfying and sure to impress anyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms)
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes (if using wooden ones) to prevent them from burning.
- Cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or chop vegetables into chunks suitable for skewering.
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken or vegetables to the marinade and stir well to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken or vegetables onto the skewers.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through or the vegetables are tender.
- While grilling, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
- Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and immediately sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 10-15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or more vegetables like eggplant, sweet potato, or cauliflower for a hearty plant-based alternative.
- Sauce Variation: You can switch out honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add a bit of chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra layer of heat.
- Grilled Fish: Try using fish like salmon or shrimp for a seafood variation of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to use a grill pan or regular skillet over medium heat to warm them through. Alternatively, you can microwave for a quicker option, but the texture might be slightly different. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the skewers?
Marinate the chicken or vegetables for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, marinating for 1-2 hours will intensify the flavor even more.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, beef, shrimp, or fish like salmon. Make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds, you can use chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds for a different crunch. Alternatively, you can skip the seeds altogether.
Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can cook the skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest piece to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.
Can I use pre-marinated chicken for this recipe?
Yes, pre-marinated chicken can work well for this recipe, but you might want to skip adding any additional marinade, as it might make the skewers too salty.
How can I make the sesame flavor stronger?
You can increase the amount of sesame seeds on the skewers or add sesame oil to the marinade for a more intense sesame flavor.
Are there any other vegetables that go well with this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like onions, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus work wonderfully with this recipe. You can mix and match based on your preferences.
Can I freeze the skewers?
You can freeze the raw marinated skewers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They should keep well for up to 2 months.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan is a great alternative for cooking these skewers indoors. Just make sure it is preheated before placing the skewers on it to get those lovely grill marks.
Conclusion
Skewers and sesame are a perfect dish for any occasion, offering a flavorful and easy-to-make meal. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, the tender chicken or vegetables paired with toasted sesame seeds creates a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Plus, this recipe offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to add your favorite protein, vegetables, or spices. Try it out today and enjoy a dish that’s both delicious and versatile!
PrintSkewers And Sesame Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skewers and sesame are a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for grilling on a sunny day or serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Chicken, vegetables, or tofu are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, honey, and lime juice before being grilled to perfection and topped with toasted sesame seeds. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a BBQ party, these skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms)
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning (if using wooden skewers).
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or chop vegetables into chunks.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken or vegetables to the marinade and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken or vegetables onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through or vegetables are tender.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Once skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or a variety of vegetables like eggplant, sweet potato, or cauliflower.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Fish Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or fish like salmon for a seafood twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Main Dishes, Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Global