Skillet Sesame Chicken

• 1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup coconut aminos1/4 cup coconut aminos — Made without gluten ingredients; coconut aminos is a touch sweeter and milder, so ease back on the brown sugar. Gluten-free tamari also works.1/4 cup coconut aminos1/4 cup coconut aminos — Made without soy; coconut aminos stands in 1:1, a bit sweeter and less salty.
• 2 tbsp water2 tbsp water
• a splash of toasted sesame oil1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 tbsp brown sugar3 tbsp brown sugar
• a splash of rice vinegar1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tbsp cornstarch1/2 tbsp cornstarch, for the sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds1 tbsp sesame seeds
• a glug of cooking oil2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• one egg1 eggsa flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed soaked in water)1 tbsp ground flaxseed, stir into 3 tbsp water, rest 5 min until gloopy — Made without egg; the flax gel helps the cornstarch grab onto the chicken. A splash of water works too if you skip the flax.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch2 tbsp cornstarch, for the coating
• a pinch of salt1/16 tsp salt
• a pinch of pepper1/16 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice4 cups jasmine rice, cooked
• 2 green onions, sliced2 green onions, sliced

Steps

1. Stir together the soy sauce, water, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, the 1/2 tbsp cornstarch, and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Set it aside.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg with the 2 tbsp cornstarch and a little salt and pepper. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and toss to coat.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium until very hot, then swirl to coat the pan. Lay the chicken out in a single layer.
4. Let it cook undisturbed until golden underneath, then flip and break it into smaller clumps. Cook until golden all over, stirring as little as you can so the coating stays on.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss. Let it come to a simmer and thicken, then turn off the heat.
6. Spoon over the rice and scatter the green onions on top.