Skip to main content

Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce

This steamed chicken salad with sesame sauce is a refreshing yet deeply satisfying dish that balances lean protein with crisp, vibrant vegetables. Inspired by classic Asian flavours, the chicken is gently cooked to retain its succulence, then shredded and tossed with roughly crushed cucumbers. This traditional technique of bruising the cucumber allows the aromatic dressing to cling to every crevice, ensuring a punchy, savoury bite in every mouthful.

As a high-protein option, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a nutritious lunch or a light evening meal that doesn't compromise on taste. The rich sesame sauce, spiked with ginger, garlic, and a hint of chilli, provides a velvety finish that elevates the simple ingredients. Serve it as a standalone salad or alongside steamed jasmine rice for a more substantial meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce

  • 3-4 spring onions

  • salt and pepper

  • 2 small cucumbers

  • 275g boneless chicken thighs with skin

  • 1 tablespoon sake

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • small piece crushed ginger

  • 60ml liquid made up from the juices of the cooked chicken (and water if necessary)

  • 60ml sesame paste

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

  • 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

  • 2 teaspoons chilli paste or to-ban-jan

  • 2 tablespoons roughly ground sesame seeds

  • 2 tablespoons finely shredded spring onions

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger

  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic

How to make Steamed Chicken Salad with Sesame Sauce

  1. Finely chop the spring onion diagonally, reserving the green part for use during cooking the chicken. Soak in cold water for a few minutes to remove the bitterness of the onion, then drain and put aside to use later.

  2. On a chopping board, sprinkle the cucumbers with a few pinches of salt, rubbing it into the flesh, then rinse. This lessens the aroma of the cucumber and gives it a good green colour. Hit the cucumbers with a pestle (if you don't have a pestle, use a bottle) and break it apart with your hands, to make uneven pieces.

  3. Pierce the chicken pieces with a skewer and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and oil and then place the green part of the spring onion and the crushed ginger on top. Cover and microwave on medium for 4 minutes, or until cooked. Leave to cool. Keep the juice from the chicken to use in the sesame sauce.

  4. Shred the chicken with your hands and place in a serving dish. Mix in the cucumber and put the chopped spring onion on top.

  5. Mix all the ingredients for the sesame sauce in a small bowl and pour over the chicken and cucumber.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.