Sesame Chicken with Dates and Cashews | Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into 12 thin coins
• 8 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 bunch (about 8) scallions (white and green parts), cut into 2-inch lengths
• 3 to 4 dried red chiles, or ½ teaspoon red chile flakes
• ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews
• 6 boneless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds; preferably with skin on, but off is okay), cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1/3 cup rice wine or dry sherry
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce or tamari
• 4 pitted dates, thinly sliced
• 3 cups fresh basil or cilantro leaves, or a combination
• Rice vinegar or fresh lime juice to taste, for serving