Recipe: Sesame Lemon Chicken (with lemon sauce)

SESAME LEMON CHICKEN

6 whole chicken breasts, halved horizontally
7 dried black Chinese mushrooms (optional)
FOR THE MARINADE:
1 large garlic clove
1 piece fresh ginger, 1/2-inch long, peeled and halved
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp corn starch
1 tsp oriental sesame oil
1 tsp vegetable oil
FOR THE SAUCE:
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chicken stock
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
Freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 tsp salt
FOR STIR-FRYING:
2 tbsp peanut oil, divided use
2 tbsp oriental sesame oil, divided use
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
2 small lemons, scored, ends cut flat, and sliced thin, divided use
Hot cooked rice (for serving)

Partially freeze chicken and slice thinly against the grain. Transfer to a deep, medium bowl.

If using, soak dried mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes; drain well and shred.

TO MARINADE THE CHICKEN:
Mince garlic and ginger in food processor. Add remaining ingredients for the marinade and process for 2 seconds (marinade can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.)

Pour marinade over chicken, turning to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in refrigerator, stirring occasionally.

TO PREPARE THE SAUCE:
Mix together all of the ingredients for the sauce in a food processor until well-blended. Set aside.

TO STIR-FRY:
Heat wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon each peanut and sesame oil. Add chicken and stir-fry quickly until pieces are opaque; DO NOT OVERCOOK. Remove pieces to a bowl or large plate as they cook. Repeat with remaining oil and chicken. (NOTE: Recipe can be prepared ahead to this point and refrigerated.)

Return all of chicken to wok, add mushrooms (if using), sesame seeds, and sauce; stir-fry until heated through. Mix in half of the lemon slices. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Arrange on warmed serving platter. Garnish with remaining lemon slices and serve with fluffy white rice.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Bon Appetit Light and Easy Special