Healthy Thai Chicken and Noodle Salad |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 75 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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I love this dish. I found this in an old cookbook by I think “Prevention Magazine.” Made changes and continue to serve it. I wish I still had the original recipe, but threw it out when I moved. Only so much room. This has great Thai flavor but I had to tweak the ingredients to what is more commonly available. I didn't like making special trips to a gourmet store for the ingredients. I did find at a local market which recently opened up, and some found some oriental noodles (similar to vermicelli) I like them more, but vermicelli works just fine for this. On top of everything it is pretty healthy and light fresh flavor for summer cooking. Served warm or chilled. Enjoy!! Ingredients:
8 ounces boneless chicken (skinless too, marinated all day or at least 4 hours, grilled and then thin sliced) |
1 lime, juice of |
2 tablespoons vegetable oil |
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper |
1 teaspoon garlic, minced |
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger |
8 ounces vermicelli (you can also use a oriental noodles if you prefer) |
1 red pepper (cut in thin strips) |
2 carrots, cut in match sticks 1 long |
4 scallions (white and green cut in 1-inch angle pieces) |
1/2 cup radish, thin sliced |
1 seedless cucumber, cut lengthwise and then thin sliced |
1 cup shiitake mushroom, chopped roughly (shitaki is best for this, but white or button will work if necessary) |
1 cup chicken broth |
3 tablespoons soy sauce |
1 1/4 cups cilantro |
4 tablespoons lime juice |
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated (important for this dish, powdered just don't have the same flavor) |
3 teaspoons sugar |
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use to your taste) |
3 teaspoons garlic, minced |
3 teaspoons canola oil (vegetable oil is fine too, not olive oil) |
1 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil |
1 teaspoon kosher salt |
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper |
fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the pasta |
Directions:
1. Marinate the chicken - a simple marinade of lime juice, oil, ginger, pepper and garlic. Just toss in a baggie and add the chicken and mix till well coated. Just let set in the refrigerator all day, or even 3-4 hours.
2. The sauce - this can be made ahead and all ready for you. In a large bowl, just basically mix everything. If making ahead NOTE, I would hold off adding the cilantro until the end so it has a fresh taste. Otherwise, combine all the other ingredients. The lime wedges are a garnish on each persons plate, so you don't have to worry about those. You will need to add the cilantro 15-20 minutes to the dressing before you add it to the pasta just to combine the flavors. But do that as the pasta is cooking.
3. Grilling - Grill the chicken, outside, inside grill pan or saute pan. Either works. I prefer the outdoor grill, but they all work. There should be enough oil on the chicken so you shouldn't have to add any when cooking. Just cook until done and still moist. Depending on the size 4-6 minutes per size, thicker cuts will take longer but don't over cook. Remove from heat, cover with foil and let rest.
4. Make the salad - A quick chop of a red pepper and I like thin strips, but chopped or diced in fine, carrots cut in match sticks 1” long. NOTE (you can by shredded or thin sliced carrots already in the vegetable aisle and that is just fine. Two (2) carrots is about 1 cup may be a bit more. Not important as to how much. Feel free to use as many of your favorite vegetables as you like. Scallions, (white and green cut in 1 angle pieces). I also like extra scallions in my dishes. One (1) small seedless cucumber cut lengthwise and then thin sliced. Radishes and off course the mushrooms - shitaki, just thin sliced. Toss all and wait for the pasta.
5. Finish - the dish with the pasta. I just cook the pasta according to directions, drain and cool a minute or two. I do not mind eating this dish warm or cold. It is equally as good both ways. I have tossed the pasta warm with the sauce, added the chicken and served. Or I have made it and let chill before serving. Either or - it is a great salad! Top with a fresh lime wedge and squeeze to give it great flavor.
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