
Sesame Oil Chicken Soup
The ultimate winter warmer and postpartum favorite! Chicken braised in black sesame oil and rice wine with crispy fried ginger. Aromatic, rich, and deeply comforting.
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients (8 items)
- Chicken thighs600 g
- Ginger (old)50 g
- Black sesame oil4 tbsp
- Rice cooking wine (Michiu)500 ml
- Goji berries10 g
- Red dates6 pcs
- Rock sugar1 tsp
- Salt0 ½ tsp
Instructions
- 1
Cut chicken into pieces and blanch to remove blood. Slice ginger very thinly.
Thinner ginger slices crisp up faster and release more flavor.
- 2
Heat black sesame oil in a cold pot over low heat. Add ginger slices and slowly fry until curled and golden brown.
Keep the heat low throughout — sesame oil turns bitter at high temperatures.
Low HeatSlow Simmer - 3
Turn up to medium-high heat and add chicken. Stir-fry until golden on the surface.
High HeatMedium-High - 4
Pour in rice wine and add red dates. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- 5
Cover and braise for 20 minutes until chicken is tender.
- 6
Add goji berries, rock sugar, and salt. Cook for 2 more minutes.
For a stronger alcohol kick, add a splash more rice wine just before serving.
Voice Guide
Step 1 / 6
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Estimated from ingredient database. Actual values may vary.
Food Safety Reminder
Please check ingredient freshness before cooking. Ensure food is heated to a core temperature of 70°C or above. Use separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination. If you have food allergies, please verify all ingredient labels carefully.
FAQ
Can I prepare this dish in advance?▾
Most Taiwanese home dishes can be prepped ahead. Wash and chop ingredients in advance, and pre-mix sauces. Cooking day will be much faster.
Where can I buy the ingredients?▾
Most ingredients are available at Asian supermarkets, H Mart, 99 Ranch, or online. For specialty items, check your local Chinatown or order from retailers like Weee!
Can I make a vegetarian version?▾
Yes! Replace meat with tofu skin, dried shiitake mushrooms, or king oyster mushrooms. Substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian mushroom sauce for great results.
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