Sesame & Soy-Brined Chicken*

*you can also use beef, shrimp, vegetables or tofu with this brine

Brining is similar to marinating, and is another way to keep chicken moist and flavorful. It cuts down the cooking time as well. Do not over brine because the texture can become rubbery.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups water
3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar, honey or agave nectar
4 half or 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1-2 lbs. shrimp or beef
(preferably antibiotic free and organic)
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Handful fresh cilantro

Process:

1. Place the water, soy, vinegar, sugar (honey or agave) and sesame oil in a large re-sealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Add chicken and marinate for 15 minutes to overnight.
2. Heat oven to high broil or heat grill to high and turn to medium before adding meat.
3. Cook for approximately seven minutes if breasts are thin (3-4 minutes per side), or pounded. For thicker breasts, allow 12-15 minutes.

*Finish with cilantro, sesame seeds and an extra splash of tamari (optional).