Sesame Chicken Skewers with Vegetable Slaw

My Manayunk Culinary Adventure: Sesame Chicken Skewers

My recent trip back to Philadelphia reignited a love for one of my favorite neighborhoods, Manayunk. It's a charming area brimming with history, art, and, most importantly, delicious food. During this visit, I had the pleasure of dining at LeBus, a restaurant that effortlessly blends modern cuisine with a cozy, neighborhood vibe. And it was there that I discovered a dish that completely stole my heart: their Sesame Chicken Skewers.

The appetizers were exquisite, but the Sesame Chicken Skewers were simply outstanding. The perfectly charred chicken, bursting with flavor, was balanced beautifully by the refreshing crunch of the vegetable slaw. The sweetness of the honey, the savory depth of the soy sauce, the subtle spice of ginger – every element worked in perfect harmony to create a symphony of taste. I knew I had to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home.

I'm not a chef, just a regular woman who loves to cook and recreate dishes that have left a lasting impression on me. So I set out to replicate that Manayunk magic in my own kitchen. The recipe wasn't immediately obvious, of course. My memory only retained the sensational blend of sweet, savory, and spicy tastes. So I did a little research, experimented with different combinations, until I finally achieved a version that came remarkably close to capturing the essence of those unforgettable skewers.

This recipe is more than just a dish; it's a journey back to Manayunk, a reminder of a delightful evening spent exploring a vibrant neighborhood. It's the perfect dish to share with friends and family, sparking conversations and creating memories. The process of making these skewers is surprisingly simple, even for someone like me who is far from a culinary expert. The most time-consuming part is actually the marinating of the chicken, which, thankfully, allows you to focus on preparing the slaw while waiting.

The vibrant colors of the slaw, featuring a mix of shredded green and red cabbage, add a visual appeal that's as satisfying as the taste. I prefer to use a combination of red and green cabbage for not only its vibrant appeal but also a slightly different, more complex flavour profile than using just one type. This slaw is crisp, refreshing, and cuts through the richness of the chicken perfectly. It’s the perfect complement to the charred chicken's irresistible flavors.

These skewers are incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and they're just as delicious served with rice, noodles, or simply on their own. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: high-quality ingredients, carefully combined to create a harmonious and memorable flavor experience. The preparation is straightforward, requiring only basic kitchen tools and techniques. I frequently serve this dish at casual family gatherings, impressing them with a dish that appears sophisticated but is surprisingly easy to whip up.

More than just a recipe, this Sesame Chicken Skewer dish is an embodiment of my love for culinary exploration and the joy of recreating special moments through food. It's a testament to the power of a simple, well-executed dish to transport you back to a cherished memory, whether it's a cozy evening in Manayunk or a special occasion with loved ones. The combination of the perfectly grilled chicken, the vibrant slaw, and the unforgettable sesame sauce will leave an indelible mark on your culinary journey. Try it, and let the flavors transport you!

So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare to embark on a culinary adventure. You’ll be transported to the charming streets of Manayunk with each delicious bite. I know I am, every time I make them. The memories are as vibrant and flavorful as the chicken skewers themselves.

Step-by-step

• Preparation For dressing: Puree honey, ketchup, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, and ginger in processor until smooth. With machine running, gradually add soy sauce. (Dressing can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• For slaw and skewers: Combine first 6 ingredients in large bowl. Cover slaw and refrigerate. (Can be made 4 hours ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
• Mix chicken with 1 cup dressing in medium bowl to coat. Marinate chicken 1 hour at room temperature.
• Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Thread 1 chicken strip onto each wooden skewer. Sprinkle chicken with sesame seeds. Grill skewers until chicken is charred and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer chicken skewers to plate.
• Toss slaw with 1/3 cup of remaining dressing. Divide slaw among 8 plates. Top slaw on each plate with 2 chicken skewers and serve.